Efficacy of Dexamethasone in Attenuation of Postinduction Hypotension in Geriatric Patients Undergoing General Anesthesia

Summary

* Geriatric patients who undergo general anesthesia experience post induction hypotension which is treated with intravenous fluids and ephedrine. The main cause of post-induction hypotension is the decrease in the sympathetic outflow causing arterial vasodilatation, a decrease in venous return and consequently the activation of the Bezold Jarish reflex (BJR) that elicits a triad of bradycardia, vasodilatation and further hypotension. BJR is elicited by activation of 5-HT3 receptors within the intracardiac vagal nerve endings. * Glucocorticoids in general inhibit 5-HT3 expression and dexamethasone was found to decrease the level of 5-HT3 in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus in developing rats. So, the research team hypothesizes that dexamethasone can attenuate the postinduction hypotension in geriatric patients undergoing general anesthesia if administered preoperatively.

Timeline

Start

2021-06-15

Primary completion

2021-09-15

Completion

2021-09-15

Drugs

Indications