* 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.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
PREVENTION
Masking
DOUBLE
Enrollment
100
Patients will receive dexamethasone 8 mg diluted in 100 ml 0.9% normal saline (NS) IVI over 15 min 2 h preoperatively.
Patients will receive 100 ml 0.9% normal saline (NS) IVI over 15 min 2 h preoperatively.
Ain-Shams University Hospitals
Cairo, Egypt
The proportion of patients with hypotension (25% decrease below the baseline for mean blood pressure (mmHg).
The proportion of patients with hypotension (25% decrease below the baseline for mean blood pressure (mmHg).
Time frame: intraoperative
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.