Riassunto dello studio

Ninety-eight patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty were randomized to receive either low-dose dexamethasone (10 mg IV, n=50) or isotonic saline (n=48). The primary outcome of interest was the reduction of postoperative pain and inflammation. Secondary outcomes included levels of inflammatory markers (C-reactive protein and interleukin-6), postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), nausea severity, fatigue, analgesic and antiemetic use, postoperative length of stay (PLOS), and complications. Outcomes were assessed at 24, 48, and 72 hours postoperatively, with follow-up continuing for three months. Overall, the study found that dexamethasone significantly reduced inflammatory markers, pain scores at 24 hours, opioid and antiemetic consumption, PONV incidence, and fatigue while shortening PLOS. There was no significant difference in perioperative complications between groups. These findings suggest that low-dose dexamethasone is effective in enhancing postoperative recovery in THA patients without increasing complication risks.