Perineural versus intravenous dexamethasone for single-shot interscalene block in arthroscopic shoulder surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies published through May 2021
Pooled result · Analgesia durationResult — go to the resultWMD 1.699 h 95% CI 0.014–3.384Authors' conclusion
Compared with the intravenous route, perineural dexamethasone modestly prolongs the duration of analgesia after single-shot interscalene block (approximately 2 h).
Study context
- Population
- Patients undergoing arthroscopic shoulder surgery with single-shot interscalene brachial plexus block
- Participants
- 846 patients · 7 studies
- Comparison
- Perineural vs Intravenous
- Outcome
- Analgesia duration, sensory block duration and motor block duration
Methodological detailsprespecified protocol, Searched PubMed, Embase and Web of Science from inception to May 31, 2021
- Prespecified protocol
- Searched PubMed, Embase and Web of Science from inception to May 31, 2021
Pooled result
Analgesia duration
WMD
1.699 h
95% CI 0.014–3.384
P = 0.048
Perineural vs Intravenous
WMD 1.699 h (95% CI 0.014–3.384); P = 0.048
As reported in the abstract
Further pooled results
| Outcome | WMD (95% CI) | P value | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Postoperative pain scores · 12 h | −0.652 (−1.129 to −0.176) | P = 0.007 | |
| −1.5−1−0.500.5Difference (linear scale) |
Postoperative pain scores and opioid consumption · 24 h
- No significant differences
Safety
Adverse events, including dyspnea, sleep disturbances, postoperative glucose fluctuations
- No significant differences
Original publication
Perineural versus intravenous dexamethasone for single-shot interscalene block in arthroscopic shoulder surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies published through May 2021. Perioper Med (Lond). Published 18 November 2025. doi:10.
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