Dexamethasone and post-dural puncture headache in women who underwent cesarean delivery under spinal anesthesia: A systemic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Abstract Background Post-dural puncture headache is a common complication after spinal anesthesia for women who undergo cesarean delivery. Intravenous (IV) dexamethasone has been used to reduce the incidence and severity of PDPH with controversial results. This Systemic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the effects of IV dexamethasone on PDPH. Methods This study is reported as per Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic and Meta-analysis. The primary outcome was the incidence and severity of PDPH. The secondary outcome variables were the postoperative total analgesic requirement and incidence of nausea and/or vomiting. Twelve randomized controlled trials with a total of 1548 women were included. Results Intravenous (IV) dexamethasone had no effect on the incidence of PDPH (OR = 0.64; CI, 0.39 to 1.05; I2 = 71%, P = 0.08). Intravenous dexamethasone did not show a significant difference in the incidence of PDPH at 24 h at 48 h, and within one week postoperatively with p-values of less than 0.05. In a random-effect model, a pooled analysis showed that IV dexamethasone had no effect on the severity of PDPH in VAS (MD = 0.78; CI, −2.27 to 0.71; I2 = 98%, P = 0.30). Conclusion Intravenous dexamethasone failed to decrease the incidence and severity of PDPH in women who underwent cesarean delivery under spinal anesthesia.