Perioperative systemic steroid for rapid recovery in total knee and hip arthroplasty: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials

BACKGROUND: Perioperative systemic steroid administration for rapid recovery in total knee and hip arthroplasty (TKA/THA) is an important and controversial topic. We conducted this systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the overall benefits and harms of perioperative systemic steroid in patients undergoing TKA and THA. METHODS: A comprehensive search was performed on PubMed, OVID, and Web of Science databases, and a systematic approach was carried out starting from the PRISMA recommendations. Relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were selected. The risk of bias was evaluated according to the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions version. Data were extracted and meta-analyzed or qualitatively synthesized for all the outcomes. RESULTS: Data were extracted from 11 trials involving 774 procedures. Meta-analysis showed that high-dose systemic steroid (dexamethasone > 0.1 mg/kg) rather than low dose is effective to reduce postoperative nausea and vomiting and postoperative acute pain (within 24 h). In addition, systemic steroid is associated within faster functional rehabilitation and greater inflammation control. On the other hand, systemic steroid is associated with a higher level of postoperative serum glucose on the operation day. The complications between groups are similarly low. CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggests that by providing lower incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting and less postoperative acute pain, high-dose systemic steroid plays a critical role in rapid recovery to TKA and THA. The preliminary results also show the superior possibility of systemic steroid in functional rehabilitation and inflammation control. More large, high-quality studies that investigate the safety and dose–response relationship are necessary. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13018-017-0601-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.