Methylprednisolone Versus Dexamethasone in Pediatric Caudal Block

This randomized, double-blind, controlled bi-center study was designed to compare the postoperative analgesic efficacy of dexamethasone and methylprednisolone in caudal block for children undergoing hypospadias surgical repair using the duration of analgesia as the primary outcome. We hypothesize that methylprednisolone will provide superior postoperative analgesia than dexamethasone when added to bupivacaine for caudal block. This study will be conducted on 80 male patients of American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I-II of with their age ranging from 1 to 6 years scheduled for surgical repair of hypospadias. The patients will be randomly assigned into 2 groups:- Group D: will receive 0.5 ml/kg volume (bupivacaine 0.25 % + dexamethasone 0.1mg/kg) Group M: will receive 0.5 ml/kg volume (bupivacaine 0.25% + methylprednisolone 0.5mg/kg) The main collected data will be the duration of analgesia (first need for rescue analgesia ), the severity of postoperative pain according to FLACC and the side effects like nausea and vomiting, respiratory depression.

Inclusion Criteria:Male patientsAmerican Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I-II ofage ranging from 1 to 6 yearsscheduled for surgical repair of hypospadiasExclusion Criteria:a history of neurodevelopmental delaytype I diabetescoagulopathyknown allergy to any local anesthetic or steroid,known congenital anomaly of the spine and local infection.