THE EFFECTS OF PREOPERATIVE STEROIDS ON TONSILLECTOMY PATIENTS

A prospective, randomized, double-blind study to determine the postope rative efficacy of steroids in tonsillectomy was performed in 49 child ren. A single dose of intravenous dexamethasone or placebo was adminis tered after each child was anesthetized. Postoperatively each child wa s examined for objective signs of trismus (measured by interincisor di stance), temperature elevation, and weight loss, as well as for subjec tive signs of mouth odor, oral intake, pain, level of activity, and an algesic usage. There were no statistical differences noted in ony of t he variables compared in the two groups and the complication rates wer e also similar.