Efficacy of locally administered dexamethasone for prevention of low back pain after labor epidural analgesia

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the efficacy of locally administered dexamethasone for prevention of low back pain after labor epidural analgesia. Methods Two hundred nulliparous parturients who required labor epidural analgesia, of ASA physical statusⅠor Ⅱ, were randomly divided into 2 groups (n = 100 each) using a random number table: control group (group C) and dexamethasone group (group D). In group D, lidocaine 4 ml and dexamethasone 1 ml (5 mg) were injected around the puncture site. In group C, lidocaine 4 ml and normal saline 1 ml were injected around the puncture site. Epidural puncture was performed after local administration. According to the results of epidural puncture, each group was further divided into two subgroups: single puncture group (Cs subgroup, Ds subgroup) and repetitive puncture group (Cr subgroup, Dr subgroup). The patients were followed up for 72 h, and the development of low back pain was recorded. Results Compared to group C, the incidence of low back pain was significantly decreased, and pain was reduced in group D. The incidence of low back pain was significantly lower in Ds group than in Cs group, and in Dr group than in Cr group. Conclusion Locally administered dexamethasone 5 mg is helpful in reducing low back pain after labor epidural anesthesia. Key words: Dexamethasone; Administration, topical; Analgesia, obstetrical; Analgesia, epidural; Low back pain; Postoperative complications