Perioperative Dexamethasone for Patients With Diabetes and Its Effect on Blood Glucose After Surgery

Purpose: P Perioperative administration of single-dose dexamethasone helps reduce postoperative nausea and vomiting, inflammation, and pain. However, it is unclear which dose achieves these effects while minimizing the hyperglycemic impact in patients with diabetes. The purpose of this review was to elucidate the most appropriate perioperative dose of dexamethasone for diabetic patients, and whether it is necessary to withhold it in patients with poor glycemic control. Design: A systematic review. Methods: A literature search using PubMed and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews revealed 17 potential evidence sources. Eight sources met the inclusion criteria. Sources included one systematic review with meta-analysis, one randomized control trial, and six observational studies. Findings: Evidence suggests diabetic patients who receive dexamethasone perioperatively are more likely to develop postoperative hyperglycemia, with a maximum blood glucose increase of 30 to 45 mg/dL in the first 24 hours following a single dose. One study described increased blood glucose levels with escalating doses, but no other sources have supported that finding. The available studies were markedly heterogeneous in both design and proportion of diabetic subjects included, and most were of low quality. Conclusions: There is not enough evidence to quantify the hyperglycemic effect of commonly used dexamethasone doses, and rigorous studies are needed to inform practice.