Effect of low dose ketamine versus dexamethasone on intraoperative nausea and vomiting during cesarean section under spinal anesthesia

Objectives
The purpose of our study was to evaluate the prophylactic use of low dose ketamine and comparing it to dexamethasone for reducing intraoperative nausea and vomiting (IONV) during cesarean section under spinal anesthesia.
Methods
The study was performed in 135 full term parturient women of ASA I & II (American Society of Anesthesiology Grade I & II), aged between 20 and 40 years with uncomplicated pregnancies. The group I ( = 45) received 0.4 mg/kg ketamine, group II ( = 45) received 8 mg dexamethasone while control group III ( = 45) received 5 ml normal saline, slowly IV immediately after spinal anesthesia and before surgical incision. The number of episodes of nausea and vomiting was recorded, as well as any other adverse effects.
Results
The results of this study showed that the rate of nausea and vomiting was lower in patients who received 0.4 mg/kg ketamine and 8 mg dexamethasone than in the placebo group with significant reduction in hypotensive episodes in ketamine group ( = 0.02).
Conclusion
Low dose ketamine is effective as dexamethasone in prevention of IONV during cesarean section under spinal anesthesia.