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. 2020 May;99(19):e20147.
doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000020147.

Multiple versus single doses of dexamethasone in total hip arthroplasty: A protocol of randomized controlled trial

Bangjian Zhang  1 , Shaoqiong Sun  2 , Bo Sheng  3
Affiliations

Multiple versus single doses of dexamethasone in total hip arthroplasty: A protocol of randomized controlled trial

Bangjian Zhang et al. Medicine (Baltimore). 2020 May.

Expression of concern in

  • Expression of Concern: Study Protocols.
    [No authors listed] [No authors listed] Medicine (Baltimore). 2025 Nov 7;104(45):e46330. doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000046330. Medicine (Baltimore). 2025. PMID: 41204616 Free PMC article. No abstract available.

Abstract

Background: Reduction of post-operative pain, nausea, and vomiting in patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty (THA) may facilitate earlier discharge from hospital and reduce healthcare costs. The recommended dose regimen of dexamethasone in THA has not been determined. The purpose of this study was performed to compare the efficiency of multiple versus single doses of dexamethasone for early postoperative pain treatment after THA.

Methods: This study was a randomized controlled trial which conducted in our hospital. Informed consent for participation in this trial was obtained from each patient before surgery. Two hundred patients undergoing THA received 1 dose of intravenous dexamethasone and 1 dose of normal saline (Group A), or 2 doses of intravenous dexamethasone (Group B). The primary outcome was visual analog scale pain scores in the immediate postoperative period. Secondary outcomes included postoperative opioid use, length of hospital stay, activity level during physical therapy, and hip range of motion.

Results: This clinical trial might provide some insights to estimate the safety of dexamethasone.

Trial registration: This study protocol was registered in Research Registry (researchregistry5460).

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors have no conflicts of interest to disclose.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Flow diagram of the study.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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    1. Backes JR, Bentley JC, Politi JR, et al. Dexamethasone reduces length of hospitalization and improves postoperative pain and nausea after total joint arthroplasty: a prospective, randomized controlled trial. J Arthroplasty 2013;28:11–7. - PubMed
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