The Effect of Corticosteroids on Quality of Life Following Total Hip Arthroplasty: HIPSTER Study
Ziekenhuis Oost-Limburg
224 participants
Jan 30, 2026
INTERVENTIONAL
Conditions
Summary
Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is a highly effective and commonly performed procedure for end-stage osteoarthritis. Perioperative inflammation contributes to postoperative pain, fatigue, and delayed recovery. Dexamethasone, a potent glucocorticoid with strong anti-inflammatory properties, is widely used in orthopedic surgery and incorporated into Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols for THA to reduce pain, PONV, and fatigue. While intermediate doses of dexamethasone (25 mg) are considered safe and beneficial in the short term, their long-term effects on health-related quality of life and persistent pain remain unclear. Therefore, the main objective of the HIPSTER trial is to evaluate the effect of different doses of a single intraoperative intravenous dose of dexamethasone (5 mg versus 25 mg) on health-related quality of life up to three months after surgery.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria3
- aged 60 years or older;
- scheduled for elective total hip arthroplasty;
- procedure under spinal anaesthesia.
Exclusion Criteria7
- hip revision surgery (reoperation);
- bilateral total hip arthroplasty during the same procedure;
- known hypersensitivity to dexamethasone or other corticosteroids;
- chronic systemic use of corticosteroids, defined as daily corticosteroid therapy for > 4 weeks within the last 3 months, with anticipated need for a perioperative stress dose of corticosteroids;
- active gastric of intestinal ulcers;
- lack of informed consent or inability to give informed consent;
- urgent, non-elective surgery.
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Interventions
Dexamethasone 5 mg IV
Dexamethasone 25 mg IV
Locations(2)
View Full Details on ClinicalTrials.gov
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NCT07378215