Comparing the Prophylactic Effect of Pregabalin with that of Aminophylline Plus Dexamethasone on Postdural Puncture Headache after Spinal Anesthesia in Cesarean Section: A Double-Blind Controlled Randomized Clinical Trial

Abstract

Background: Headache is yet considered an undesirable complication of spinal anesthesia as a selective method in cesarean section. The present study was conducted to compare the prophylactic effect of pregabalin with that of aminophylline plus dexamethasone on postdural puncture headache after spinal anesthesia in cesarean section. Materials and Methods: The present double-blind controlled randomized clinical trial assigned 375 pregnant women as volunteers for elective cesarean section to three groups of 125 receiving pregabalin, aminophylline plus dexamethasone and placebo. Observational evaluation of the incidence and severity of headache was performed in these patients within the first 24 postoperative hours, i.e. 6, 12 and 24 hours after the surgery. Results: No statistically-significant differences were observed between the three groups receiving pregabalin, aminophylline plus dexamethasone and placebo in terms of the incidence and severity of headache 6, 12 and 24 hours after cesarean section performed under spinal anesthesia. Conclusion: The prophylactic administration of pregabalin or aminophylline plus dexamethasone does not affect postdural puncture headache after spinal anesthesia in cesarean section.

Keywords

• pregabalin
• aminophylline
• dexamethasone
• headache
• spinal anesthesia
• caesarean section