Dexamethasone Is Associated With a Statistically Significant Increase in Postoperative Blood Glucose Levels Following Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty

The James A. Rand Young Investigator's Award: What Is the Safest and Most Effective Dose of Intravenous Dexamethasone in Total Knee Arthroplasty? A Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this multicenter, double-blinded, prospective, randomized controlled trial was to determine the safest and most effective dose of intravenous (IV) dexamethasone administered during primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA).

METHODS

There were 404 patients undergoing inpatient primary TKA randomized across 11 centers to receive four (n = 138), eight (n = 137), or 16 mg (n = 129) of IV dexamethasone intraoperatively. All sites utilized the same perioperative multimodal protocol. Opioid consumption measured in morphine milligram equivalents (MME), pain scores, nausea scores, vomiting episodes, and sleep duration was collected for 7 days postoperatively. Glucose levels were measured on postoperative day 1 (POD1). The mean age was 68 years, the mean body mass index was 33, and 62% were women. Independent sample t-tests were used for continuous data, and Chi-square and Fisher's exact tests were used for discrete data. Demographic characteristics were comparable between groups, suggesting successful randomization.

RESULTS

Patients who received 16 mg IV dexamethasone consumed less MME on POD1 (38 versus 37 versus 27 MME; P = 0.047) and had fewer vomiting episodes (P = 0.02). Patients who received 16 mg also had lower pain scores at rest at 24 hours, 48 hours, and one week. There were no differences in cumulative opioid consumption within the first 48 hours (P = 0.24), one week (P = 0.43), or pain with activity at any time point. The POD1 glucose was highest in patients who received 16 mg (P < 0.001). There were no differences in length of stay, hours slept, or 90-day complication rates between groups.

CONCLUSIONS

High-dose (16 mg) IV dexamethasone in TKA reduces opioid consumption, pain, and vomiting on the first day after surgery. Outcomes, including opioid consumption, sleep, and nausea, are comparable beyond 24 hours for all doses.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

I. Prospective randomized controlled trial.

Intravenous Dexamethasone Transiently Elevates Blood Glucose Levels and Reduces Pain After TKA in Patients with Type-2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Randomized Controlled Study

BACKGROUND

Effective perioperative blood glucose control is crucial for reducing postoperative complications in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) who are undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The aim of this study was to assess the impact of intravenous (IV) dexamethasone on blood glucose levels, insulin requirements, postoperative pain, and postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) in patients with well-controlled type-2 DM.

METHODS

A total of 83 Asian patients with well-controlled type-2 DM (defined as a preoperative glycated hemoglobin level of ≤7.0%) undergoing primary TKA were randomized to receive either IV dexamethasone or normal saline solution. Blood glucose and insulin requirements were monitored postoperatively up to day 5, and pain and PONV were assessed using a numeric rating scale.

RESULTS

Compared with the control, IV dexamethasone transiently elevated blood glucose levels on the day of surgery and on postoperative day 1, with the levels returning to baseline by day 3. Insulin requirements were higher in the intervention group on postoperative day 1 (p = 0.004). While IV dexamethasone did not significantly reduce PONV, it effectively alleviated postoperative pain up to day 3.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with DM who underwent TKA, IV dexamethasone administration transiently increased blood glucose on the day of surgery and on postoperative day 1 and elevated insulin requirements on postoperative day 1. Despite having no impact on PONV, IV dexamethasone provided clinical benefits by reducing early postoperative pain. These findings suggest the potential benefits of IV dexamethasone in enhancing perioperative management strategies for patients with DM who are undergoing TKA.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic Level I . See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Association Between Intraoperative Periarticular Injection of Triamcinolone and Early Postoperative Infection in Total Knee Arthroplasty: An Analysis of a Japanese Nationwide Database

BACKGROUND

The safety of intraoperative periarticular triamcinolone injection in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) remains unclear. This study aimed to assess the association between periarticular injection of triamcinolone during primary TKA and complications, including early postoperative infection.

METHODS

A Japanese nationwide database was used to identify adults who underwent primary TKA between April 2016 and March 2022. Patients were divided into triamcinolone and control groups. The primary outcome was reoperation for infection within 90 days from primary TKA. Secondary outcomes included diagnosis of postoperative infection, wound complications, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism (PE), in-hospital death, and readmission within 90 days. Propensity score matching was performed to adjust baseline differences. During the study period, 242,571 cases underwent primary knee arthroplasty. Among 212,427 eligible TKA patients, 15,229 (7.2%) were in the triamcinolone group and 197,198 (92.8%) were in the control group.

RESULTS

Overall, there were 551 reoperations for infection within 90 days (0.26%), including 61 (0.40%) patients in the triamcinolone group and 490 (0.25%) in the control group. Propensity score matching yielded 14,683 pairs. The triamcinolone group had a higher incidence of reoperation for infection, with a risk ratio (RR) of 1.67 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.10 to 2.53) and risk difference of 0.16% (95% CI: 0.03 to 0.29). Diagnoses of infection (RR: 1.25 [95% CI: 1.09 to 1.44]) and wound complications (RR: 1.18 [95% CI: 0.99 to 1.39]) were more frequent in the triamcinolone group, while DVT incidence was significantly lower (RR: 0.69 [95% CI: 0.65 to 0.73]). No significant differences were observed in PE or in-hospital death, although 90-day readmission was more frequent in the triamcinolone group (RR: 1.22 [95% CI: 1.06 to 1.40]).

CONCLUSIONS

Although the difference was subtle, periarticular injection of triamcinolone during TKA was associated with an increased risk of early postoperative infection requiring reoperation.

Is Dexamethasone Administration During Total Hip and Knee Arthroplasty Safe in Diabetic Patients?

INTRODUCTION

Dexamethasone is used extensively during total hip and knee arthroplasty total joint arthroplasty (TJA) to control pain and decrease the risk of nausea and vomiting. However, the safety of dexamethasone utilization in diabetic patients is poorly understood. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate complications associated with perioperative dexamethasone administration during primary TJA in diabetic patients.

METHODS

The Premier Healthcare Database was queried for all patients with diabetes mellitus who underwent primary elective TJA from 2015 to 2020. Patients who received intravenous dexamethasone on the day of surgery were compared with those who did not. Patient characteristics, hospital factors, and rates of medical comorbidities were assessed and compared between the cohorts. Multivariate logistic regression was done to assess the 90-day risk of infectious and noninfectious postoperative complications.

RESULTS

Overall, 261,474 diabetic patients were included for analysis, 122,631 (46.9%) of whom received dexamethasone. The two cohorts were similar in patient demographics, hospital characteristics, and comorbidity burden (absolute range of differences: 0.00 to 2.33%). Diabetic patients who received dexamethasone had decreased odds of periprosthetic joint infection (adjusted odds ratio 0.82, 95%-CI: 0.75 to 0.90, P < 0.001) and sepsis (aOR: 0.80, 95%-CI: 0.72 to 0.89, P < 0.001) compared with those who did not. Patients who received dexamethasone had shorter length of stay compared with those who did not (1.87 ± 1.60 days vs. 2.27 ± 1.88 days, P < 0.001). The adjusted odds of postoperative hyperglycemia were markedly higher in the dexamethasone group (aOR: 1.14, 95%-CI: 1.10 to 1.18, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Use of perioperative dexamethasone was not associated with the increased risk of infectious complications among diabetic patients undergoing TJA, supporting its safety in this high-risk population.

Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Agonists: A Practical Overview for Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons

BACKGROUND

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists, such as exenatide, liraglutide, dulaglutide, semaglutide, and tirzepatide, effectively manage type 2 diabetes by promoting insulin release, suppressing glucagon secretion, and enhancing glucose metabolism. They also aid weight reduction and cardiovascular health, potentially broadening their therapeutic scope. In plastic surgery, they hold promise for perioperative weight management and glycemic control, potentially impacting surgical outcomes.

METHODS

A comprehensive review was conducted to assess GLP-1 agonists' utilization in plastic surgery. We analyzed relevant studies, meta-analyses, and trials to evaluate their benefits and limitations across surgical contexts, focusing on weight reduction, glycemic control, cardiovascular risk factors, and potential complications.

RESULTS

Studies demonstrate GLP-1 agonists' versatility, spanning weight management, cardiovascular health, neurological disorders, and metabolic dysfunction-associated liver diseases. Comparative analyses highlight variations in glycemic control, weight loss, and cardiometabolic risk. Meta-analyses reveal significant reductions in hemoglobin A1C levels, especially with high-dose semaglutide (2 mg) and tirzepatide (15 mg). However, increased dosing may lead to gastrointestinal side effects and serious complications like pancreatitis and bowel obstruction. Notably, GLP-1 agonists' efficacy in weight reduction and glycemic control may impact perioperative management in plastic surgery, potentially expanding surgical candidacy for procedures like autologous flap-based breast reconstruction and influencing outcomes related to lymphedema. Concerns persist regarding venous thromboembolism and delayed gastric emptying, necessitating further investigation into bleeding and aspiration risk with anesthesia.

CONCLUSIONS

GLP-1 agonists offer advantages in perioperative weight management and glycemic control in plastic surgery patients. They may broaden surgical candidacy and mitigate lymphedema risk but require careful consideration of complications, particularly perioperative aspiration risk. Future research should focus on their specific impacts on surgical outcomes to optimize their integration into perioperative protocols effectively. Despite challenges, GLP-1 agonists promise to enhance surgical outcomes and patient care in plastic surgery.

Evaluating the Use of Dexamethasone in Diabetic Patients Undergoing Total Joint Arthroplasty: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons strongly recommends the use of dexamethasone in patients undergoing total joint arthroplasty due to its therapeutic effects. However, use in diabetic patients is controversial due to safety. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine safety: (1) calculating the postoperative glucose levels; (2) finding the ideal dexamethasone dosing regimen; and (3) reporting complications of dexamethasone administration in diabetic patients undergoing total joint arthroplasty.

METHODS

A search was performed utilizing the Boolean search phrase "((dexamethasone) AND (diabetic)) AND (((total joint) OR (total knee)) OR (total hip))." Postoperative day (POD) 1, 2, and 3 glucose levels were compared between intervention and control groups with a random-effects proportion meta-analysis weighted for individual study size. Weighted means and SDs were calculated for postoperative glucose levels. Across the 12 studies, 46,685 patients were included, of which 23,892 received at least one dose of dexamethasone.

RESULTS

Dexamethasone administration in diabetic patients resulted in significantly elevated mean glucose levels (mg/dL) on POD1 compared to patients in whom dexamethasone was withheld (170.1 ± 5.3 versus 158.1 ± 5.8, P = 0.0007). However, 95% confidence interval levels were below the 200 mg/dL threshold. Additionally, there were no significant differences on POD2 (P = 0.23) and POD3 (P = 0.16). The risk of infection was not significantly different between the intervention and control groups (risk ratio: 0.82, 95% confidence interval: 0.39 to 1.72, P = 0.61). Due to the heterogeneity of data, and only four studies reporting exact dosages as opposed to ranges, an ideal dosage of dexamethasone could not be found.

CONCLUSIONS

Administration of perioperative dexamethasone in diabetic patients appears to be safe. Further investigation is warranted regarding dosage and timing of administration to optimize beneficial effects of dexamethasone while preventing excessive hyperglycemia in diabetic patients.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV.

Dexamethasone-Associated Hyperglycemia is Not Associated With Infectious Complications After Total Joint Arthroplasty in Diabetic Patients

BACKGROUND

Postoperative infection is a devastating complication of total joint arthroplasty (TJA). Perioperative use of dexamethasone in patients who have diabetes mellitus (DM) remains controversial due to concern for increased infection risk. This study aimed to evaluate the association between dexamethasone and infection risk among patients who have DM undergoing TJA.

METHODS

This was a retrospective cohort study conducted on adult patients who underwent primary, elective total knee arthroplasty (TKA) or total hip arthroplasty (THA) between January 2016 and December 2021 using a large national database. We identified 110,568 TJA patients (TKA: 66.6%; THA: 33.4%), 31.0% (34,298) of which had DM. Patients who received perioperative dexamethasone were compared to those who did not. The primary end points were the 90-day risk of postoperative periprosthetic joint infection, surgical site infection (SSI), and other non-SSI (urinary tract infection, pneumonia, sepsis).

RESULTS

When modeling the association between dexamethasone exposure and study outcomes while accounting for the interaction between dexamethasone and morning blood glucose levels, dexamethasone administration conferred no increased odds of postoperative periprosthetic joint infection nor SSI in diabetics. However, dexamethasone significantly lowered the adjusted odds of other postoperative infections in diabetic patients (TKA: adjusted odds ratio = 09, 95% confidence interval = 0.8 to 1.0, P = .030; THA: adjusted odds ratio = 0.7, 95% confidence interval = 0.6 to 0.9, P = .001); specifically in patients with morning blood glucose levels between 110 to 248 mg/dL in TKA and ≤ 172 mg/dL in THA.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides strong evidence against withholding dexamethasone in diabetic patients undergoing TJA based on concern for infection. Instead, short-course perioperative dexamethasone reduced infection risk in select patients. The narrative surrounding dexamethasone should shift away from questions about whether dexamethasone is appropriate for diabetic patients, and instead focus on how best to optimize its use.

Glucagon-like Peptide-1 Agonists: What the Orthopaedic Surgeon Needs to Know

» Orthopaedic surgeons are increasingly likely to encounter patients with obesity and/or type 2 diabetes taking glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists for weight loss.» GLP-1 agonists are an effective treatment for weight loss with semaglutide and tirzepatide being the most effective agents. Randomized controlled trials using these agents have reported weight loss up to 21 kg (46 lb).» The use of GLP-1 agonists preoperatively can improve glycemic control, which can potentially reduce the risk of postoperative complications. However, multiple cases of intraoperative aspiration/regurgitation have been reported, potentially related to the effect of GLP-1 agonists on gastric emptying.» While efficacious, GLP-1 agonists may not produce sufficient weight loss to achieve body mass index cutoffs for total joint arthroplasty depending on individual patient factors, including starting bodyweight. Multifactorial approaches to weight loss with focus on lifestyle modification in addition to GLP-1 agonists should be considered in such patients.» Although GLP-1 agonists are efficacious agents for weight loss, they may not be accessible or affordable for all patients. Each patient's unique circumstances should be considered when creating an ideal weight loss plan during optimization efforts.