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NCT Number: NCT07074691

Regional and Intravenous Dexamethasone in The Prophylaxis of Rebound Pain After Supraclavicular Block in Upper Limb Surgeries

This study aimed to compare the effect of regional and intravenous Dexamethasone in the prophylaxis of rebound pain after supraclavicular block in upper limb surgeries.

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Key information

Conditions

Regional Dexamethasone Intravenous Prophylaxis Rebound Pain Supraclavicular Block Upper Limb Surgeries

Age range

21 year–65 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Tanta University

Tanta, El-Gharbia, 31527, Egypt

About this study

Rebound pain is defined as "a transient acute increase in postoperative pain which occurs following resolution of a peripheral nerve block (PNB)" or as a phenomenon where a quantifiable difference is seen in the pain scores when the PNB is working compared to when its effect is resolved.

The supraclavicular block is a regional anesthetic technique used as an alternative or adjunct to general anesthesia or used for postoperative pain control for upper extremity surgeries (mid-humerus through the hand).

Dexamethasone, an adjunct used to prolong the duration of neural blockade when administered regionally or systemically, is thought to reduce pain sensitization by inhibiting sensory transmission of nociceptive C-fibers at the dorsal root ganglion and reducing prostaglandin synthesis, thereby suppressing hyperalgesia.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Age from 21 to 65 years.
  • Both sexes.
  • American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) class I-II.
  • Undergoing upper limb surgeries.

Exclusion criteria

  • Patient refusal.
  • History of allergy to drugs used.
  • ASA class more than II ( III-IV-..).
  • Uncooperative patient.
  • Patients on chronic pain medications.
  • Coagulopathy.

Treatment and study plan

Regional Dexamethasone

Drug

Patients were generally anesthetized, then a supraclavicular block is given (0.5% bupivacaine + dexamethasone 8 mg regionally), total volume = 20 mL (18 mL 0.5% bupivacaine + 2 mL dexamethasone).

intravenous dexamethasone

Drug

Patients were generally anesthetized, and then a supraclavicular block was administered (0.5% bupivacaine), with a total volume of 20 mL (18 mL of 0.5% bupivacaine and 2 mL of normal saline).

Primary outcomes

  1. Time to the first request of analgesia

    Time frame: 24 hours postoperatively

    Time to the first request of analgesia was recorded from the end of surgery till the first dose of pethidine administrated.

Secondary outcomes

  1. Degree of pain

    Time frame: 24 hours postoperatively

    All patients were familiarized with the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) from 0 to 10, with 0 representing no pain and 10 representing maximum intolerable pain. NRS score will be assessed and recorded at 30 minutes, 2, 6, 12, 18, 24 hours postoperatively.

  2. Patient Satisfaction

    Time frame: 24 hours postoperatively

    Postoperative Patient Satisfaction measured in " 4 scale patient satisfaction score" ( 1 = highly satisfied , 2 = fairly satisfied , 3 = little satisfied , 4 = non satisfied ).

  3. Total Analgesics consumption

    Time frame: 24 hours postoperatively

    Pethidine 50 mg intravenous was given as postoperative rescue analgesia when the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) score was≥ 4.

  4. Incidence of complications

    Time frame: 24 hours postoperatively

    Incidence of complications such as nausea, vomiting, hypotension and bradycardia were recorded.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Tanta University

Other

Registry information

Official study title

A Comparative Study Between Regional and Intravenous Dexamethasone in The Prophylaxis of Rebound Pain After Supraclavicular Block in Upper Limb Surgeries: A Double-Blinded Study

Important dates

Study start
2023
Primary completion
2025
Study completion
2025
First posted
Jul 20, 2025
Registry last updated
Jul 20, 2025

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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