The Effect of Prophylactic Antiemetic Dexamethasone on Plasma Cortisol Levels

Summary

Dexamethasone is a synthetic corticosteroid that has been proven to be effective and relatively safe for the prophylaxis of the postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV). However, little is known about its effect on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis after surgery. The investigators hypothesize that it will inhibit the normal physiologic HPA surge and reduce cortisol levels post-operatively ia a dose-dependant fashion. To answer this question, the investigators will conduct a randomized, double-blinded placebo-controlled trial with two different doses of dexamethasone in women undergoing elective gynecologic laparotomy.

Timeline

Start

2012-05

Primary completion

2013-12

Completion

2014-02

Drugs

Indications

No indication recorded.