[Effects of dexamethasone on epidural morphine-related nausea and vomiting].

Objective: To observe the effect of intravenous dexamethasone injections in preventing nausea and vomiting resulted from epidural morphine for post-operation pain relief.

Methods: Eighty-four adult patients (ASA class I to II ) requiring epidural anesthesia for low abdominal surgical procedures were randomly divided into 2 groups, of which Group 1 (n=42) received intravenous dexamethasone injections at 10 mg and Group 2 (n=42) intravenous injection of 2 ml normal saline before administration of 2 mg epidural morphine for post-operation pain relief. The incidence of nausea and vomiting were recorded within 24 h after surgery.