Intraoperative dexamethasone and risk of postoperative infection after cesarean delivery: a retrospective cohort study
Main finding · Postoperative infectious complications (non-diabetic)Result — go to the resultAdjusted odds ratio 0.84 95% CI 0.69–1.01Authors' conclusion
A single intraoperative antiemetic dose of dexamethasone was not associated with a difference in postoperative infection rates and was associated with lower postoperative opioid consumption in non-diabetic patients. Dexamethasone resulted in modest, likely clinically insignificant, increases in glucose levels in patients with gestational diabetes.
Study context
- Population
- Cesarean deliveries under neuraxial anaesthesia, April 2014 to June 202512,698 non-diabetic
- Exposure
- Intraoperative dexamethasone vs no dexamethasone
- Outcome
- Incidence of postoperative infectious complications in non-diabetic patients
Methodological detailssingle-centre, multivariable adjustment
- Single-centre
- Multivariable adjustment
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
Postoperative infectious complications (non-diabetic)
Adjusted odds ratio
0.84
95% CI 0.69–1.01
P = 0.069
By group
Dexamethasone vs No dexamethasone
aOR 0.84 (95% CI 0.69–1.01); P = 0.069
Observational data: associations, not effects.
Further findings
| Outcome | No dexamethasone | P value |
|---|---|---|
| Opioid consumption (non-diabetic)Dexamethasone 4 mg vs No dexamethasone | 11.3 (range or IQR as printed 0–26.3) mg | P < 0.001 |
| Mean glucose level (gestational diabetes)Dose dependent | 87 (range or IQR as printed 77–102) | P < 0.001 |
- Opioid consumption (non-diabetic): Dexamethasone 4 mg 5.6 (range or IQR as printed 0–16.9) mg
- Mean glucose level (gestational diabetes): Dexamethasone 4 mg 93 (range or IQR as printed 80–105.3)
- Mean glucose level (gestational diabetes): Dexamethasone 8 mg 98.5 (range or IQR as printed 82.4–115)
- Mean glucose level (gestational diabetes): n = 2,296
Original publication
Intraoperative dexamethasone and risk of postoperative infection after cesarean delivery: a retrospective cohort study. Int J Obstet Anesth. Published 15 May 2026. doi:10.
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