Trial Outcomes & Findings for Dysphagia Following Anterior Cervical Spine Surgery; Single Dose Steroid vs Saline (DysDexVSSal) (NCT NCT03711474)

NCT ID: NCT03711474

Last Updated: 2025-02-12

Results Overview

Change from baseline scores on the dysphagia Bazaz Scale. • Bazaz grading system is designed for the evaluation of swallowing difficulty after cervical surgery. The patients are graded on a scale as having None (0), Mild (1), Moderate (2), or Severe (3) dysphagia based on their symptoms. None (0) or Mild (1) dysphagia is considered to be a better outcome.

Recruitment status

COMPLETED

Study phase

PHASE4

Target enrollment

78 participants

Primary outcome timeframe

Baseline to Day 1

Results posted on

2025-02-12

Participant Flow

Participant milestones

Participant milestones
Measure
Treatment 1; Dexamethasone
Drug: Treatment 1; Dexamethasone. Patients undergoing elective anterior cervical spine surgery will be seen by spine surgeons. After consent the Bazaz, EAT 10 and Dysphagia Short Questionnaire will be administered at baseline prior to surgery, Day 1, Day 2, 1 week, 2 weeks, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months after surgery. Patients will be randomized to either the single dose steroid administration group or the single dose saline administration group. Patients randomized to the experimental (steroid) group will receive a single dose, 0.3 mg/kg of body weight of intravenous dexamethasone within one hour of the incision. Patients in the control(saline) group will receive a single dose of saline, 0.3 mg/kg of body weight within one hour of incision. Dexamethasone: Single dose of Dexamethasone IV or Saline IV given within the first hour of surgery
Treatment 0; Placebo
Drug: Treatment 0; Saline placebo. Patients undergoing elective anterior cervical spine surgery will be seen by spine surgeons. After consent the Bazaz, EAT 10, and Dysphagia Short Questionnaire will be administered at baseline prior to surgery, Day 1, Day 2, 1 week, 2 weeks, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months after surgery. Patients will be randomized to either the steroid administration group or the saline administration group. Patients randomized to the experimental (steroid) group will receive a single dose, 0.3 mg/kg of body weight of intravenous dexamethasone within one hour of the incision. Patients in the control(saline) group will receive a single dose of saline, 0.3 mg/kg of body weight within one hour of the incision. Saline: Single dose of Dexamethasone IV or Saline IV given within the first hour of surgery
Overall Study
STARTED
40
38
Overall Study
COMPLETED
38
38
Overall Study
NOT COMPLETED
2
0

Reasons for withdrawal

Reasons for withdrawal
Measure
Treatment 1; Dexamethasone
Drug: Treatment 1; Dexamethasone. Patients undergoing elective anterior cervical spine surgery will be seen by spine surgeons. After consent the Bazaz, EAT 10 and Dysphagia Short Questionnaire will be administered at baseline prior to surgery, Day 1, Day 2, 1 week, 2 weeks, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months after surgery. Patients will be randomized to either the single dose steroid administration group or the single dose saline administration group. Patients randomized to the experimental (steroid) group will receive a single dose, 0.3 mg/kg of body weight of intravenous dexamethasone within one hour of the incision. Patients in the control(saline) group will receive a single dose of saline, 0.3 mg/kg of body weight within one hour of incision. Dexamethasone: Single dose of Dexamethasone IV or Saline IV given within the first hour of surgery
Treatment 0; Placebo
Drug: Treatment 0; Saline placebo. Patients undergoing elective anterior cervical spine surgery will be seen by spine surgeons. After consent the Bazaz, EAT 10, and Dysphagia Short Questionnaire will be administered at baseline prior to surgery, Day 1, Day 2, 1 week, 2 weeks, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months after surgery. Patients will be randomized to either the steroid administration group or the saline administration group. Patients randomized to the experimental (steroid) group will receive a single dose, 0.3 mg/kg of body weight of intravenous dexamethasone within one hour of the incision. Patients in the control(saline) group will receive a single dose of saline, 0.3 mg/kg of body weight within one hour of the incision. Saline: Single dose of Dexamethasone IV or Saline IV given within the first hour of surgery
Overall Study
Physician Decision
2
0

Baseline Characteristics

Race and Ethnicity were not collected from any participant.

Baseline characteristics by cohort

Baseline characteristics by cohort
Measure
Treatment 1; Dexamethasone
n=40 Participants
Drug: Treatment 1; Dexamethasone. Patients undergoing elective anterior cervical spine surgery will be seen by spine surgeons. After consent the Bazaz, EAT 10 and Dysphagia Short Questionnaire will be administered at baseline prior to surgery, Day 1, Day 2, 1 week, 2 weeks, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months after surgery. Patients will be randomized to either the single dose steroid administration group or the single dose saline administration group. Patients randomized to the experimental (steroid) group will receive a single dose, 0.3 mg/kg of body weight of intravenous dexamethasone within one hour of the incision. Patients in the control(saline) group will receive a single dose of saline, 0.3 mg/kg of body weight within one hour of incision. Dexamethasone: Single dose of Dexamethasone IV or Saline IV given within the first hour of surgery
Treatment 0; Placebo
n=38 Participants
Drug: Treatment 0; Saline placebo. Patients undergoing elective anterior cervical spine surgery will be seen by spine surgeons. After consent the Bazaz, EAT 10, and Dysphagia Short Questionnaire will be administered at baseline prior to surgery, Day 1, Day 2, 1 week, 2 weeks, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months after surgery. Patients will be randomized to either the steroid administration group or the saline administration group. Patients randomized to the experimental (steroid) group will receive a single dose, 0.3 mg/kg of body weight of intravenous dexamethasone within one hour of the incision. Patients in the control(saline) group will receive a single dose of saline, 0.3 mg/kg of body weight within one hour of the incision. Saline: Single dose of Dexamethasone IV or Saline IV given within the first hour of surgery
Total
n=78 Participants
Total of all reporting groups
Age, Categorical
<=18 years
0 Participants
n=40 Participants
0 Participants
n=38 Participants
0 Participants
n=78 Participants
Age, Categorical
Between 18 and 65 years
28 Participants
n=40 Participants
31 Participants
n=38 Participants
59 Participants
n=78 Participants
Age, Categorical
>=65 years
12 Participants
n=40 Participants
7 Participants
n=38 Participants
19 Participants
n=78 Participants
Age, Continuous
56.53 years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 10.99 • n=40 Participants
55.53 years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 9.09 • n=38 Participants
56.04 years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 10.06 • n=78 Participants
Sex: Female, Male
Female
23 Participants
n=40 Participants
22 Participants
n=38 Participants
45 Participants
n=78 Participants
Sex: Female, Male
Male
17 Participants
n=40 Participants
16 Participants
n=38 Participants
33 Participants
n=78 Participants
Race and Ethnicity Not Collected
0 Participants
Race and Ethnicity were not collected from any participant.

PRIMARY outcome

Timeframe: Baseline to Day 1

Population: Participants could not be reached by phone at the individual time points, however, this did not disqualify them from future time point calls for the duration of the study. The individual missed time points did not get calculated in the statistical analysis.

Change from baseline scores on the dysphagia Bazaz Scale. • Bazaz grading system is designed for the evaluation of swallowing difficulty after cervical surgery. The patients are graded on a scale as having None (0), Mild (1), Moderate (2), or Severe (3) dysphagia based on their symptoms. None (0) or Mild (1) dysphagia is considered to be a better outcome.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Treatment 1; Dexamethasone
n=36 Participants
Drug: Treatment 1; Dexamethasone. Patients undergoing elective anterior cervical spine surgery will be seen by spine surgeons. After consent the Bazaz, EAT 10 and Dysphagia Short Questionnaire will be administered at baseline prior to surgery, Day 1, Day 2, 1 week, 2 weeks, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months after surgery. Patients will be randomized to either the single dose steroid administration group or the single dose saline administration group. Patients randomized to the experimental (steroid) group will receive a single dose, 0.3 mg/kg of body weight of intravenous dexamethasone within one hour of the incision. Patients in the control(saline) group will receive a single dose of saline, 0.3 mg/kg of body weight within one hour of incision. Dexamethasone: Single dose of Dexamethasone IV or Saline IV given within the first hour of surgery
Treatment 0; Placebo
n=37 Participants
Drug: Treatment 0; Saline placebo. Patients undergoing elective anterior cervical spine surgery will be seen by spine surgeons. After consent the Bazaz, EAT 10, and Dysphagia Short Questionnaire will be administered at baseline prior to surgery, Day 1, Day 2, 1 week, 2 weeks, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months after surgery. Patients will be randomized to either the steroid administration group or the saline administration group. Patients randomized to the experimental (steroid) group will receive a single dose, 0.3 mg/kg of body weight of intravenous dexamethasone within one hour of the incision. Patients in the control(saline) group will receive a single dose of saline, 0.3 mg/kg of body weight within one hour of the incision. Saline: Single dose of Dexamethasone IV or Saline IV given within the first hour of surgery
Change in the Occurrence of Dysphagia -Bazaz Scale
2.17 score on a scale
Standard Deviation 2.01
3.27 score on a scale
Standard Deviation 1.88

PRIMARY outcome

Timeframe: Baseline to Day 2

Population: Participants could not be reached by phone at the individual time points, however, this did not disqualify them from future time point calls for the duration of the study. The individual missed time points did not get calculated in the statistical analysis.

Change from baseline scores on the dysphagia Bazaz Scale. • Bazaz grading system is designed for the evaluation of swallowing difficulty after cervical surgery. The patients are graded on a scale as having None (0), Mild (1), Moderate (2), or Severe (3) dysphagia based on their symptoms. None (0) or Mild (1) dysphagia is considered to be a better outcome.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Treatment 1; Dexamethasone
n=36 Participants
Drug: Treatment 1; Dexamethasone. Patients undergoing elective anterior cervical spine surgery will be seen by spine surgeons. After consent the Bazaz, EAT 10 and Dysphagia Short Questionnaire will be administered at baseline prior to surgery, Day 1, Day 2, 1 week, 2 weeks, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months after surgery. Patients will be randomized to either the single dose steroid administration group or the single dose saline administration group. Patients randomized to the experimental (steroid) group will receive a single dose, 0.3 mg/kg of body weight of intravenous dexamethasone within one hour of the incision. Patients in the control(saline) group will receive a single dose of saline, 0.3 mg/kg of body weight within one hour of incision. Dexamethasone: Single dose of Dexamethasone IV or Saline IV given within the first hour of surgery
Treatment 0; Placebo
n=37 Participants
Drug: Treatment 0; Saline placebo. Patients undergoing elective anterior cervical spine surgery will be seen by spine surgeons. After consent the Bazaz, EAT 10, and Dysphagia Short Questionnaire will be administered at baseline prior to surgery, Day 1, Day 2, 1 week, 2 weeks, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months after surgery. Patients will be randomized to either the steroid administration group or the saline administration group. Patients randomized to the experimental (steroid) group will receive a single dose, 0.3 mg/kg of body weight of intravenous dexamethasone within one hour of the incision. Patients in the control(saline) group will receive a single dose of saline, 0.3 mg/kg of body weight within one hour of the incision. Saline: Single dose of Dexamethasone IV or Saline IV given within the first hour of surgery
Change in the Occurrence of Dysphagia -Bazaz Scale
2.25 score on a scale
Standard Deviation 2.02
3.16 score on a scale
Standard Deviation 1.98

PRIMARY outcome

Timeframe: Baseline to Week 1

Population: Participants could not be reached by phone at the individual time points, however, this did not disqualify them from future time point calls for the duration of the study. The individual missed time points did not get calculated in the statistical analysis.

Change from baseline scores on the dysphagia Bazaz Scale. • Bazaz grading system is designed for the evaluation of swallowing difficulty after cervical surgery. The patients are graded on a scale as having None (0), Mild (1), Moderate (2), or Severe (3) dysphagia based on their symptoms. None (0) or Mild (1) dysphagia is considered to be a better outcome.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Treatment 1; Dexamethasone
n=36 Participants
Drug: Treatment 1; Dexamethasone. Patients undergoing elective anterior cervical spine surgery will be seen by spine surgeons. After consent the Bazaz, EAT 10 and Dysphagia Short Questionnaire will be administered at baseline prior to surgery, Day 1, Day 2, 1 week, 2 weeks, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months after surgery. Patients will be randomized to either the single dose steroid administration group or the single dose saline administration group. Patients randomized to the experimental (steroid) group will receive a single dose, 0.3 mg/kg of body weight of intravenous dexamethasone within one hour of the incision. Patients in the control(saline) group will receive a single dose of saline, 0.3 mg/kg of body weight within one hour of incision. Dexamethasone: Single dose of Dexamethasone IV or Saline IV given within the first hour of surgery
Treatment 0; Placebo
n=35 Participants
Drug: Treatment 0; Saline placebo. Patients undergoing elective anterior cervical spine surgery will be seen by spine surgeons. After consent the Bazaz, EAT 10, and Dysphagia Short Questionnaire will be administered at baseline prior to surgery, Day 1, Day 2, 1 week, 2 weeks, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months after surgery. Patients will be randomized to either the steroid administration group or the saline administration group. Patients randomized to the experimental (steroid) group will receive a single dose, 0.3 mg/kg of body weight of intravenous dexamethasone within one hour of the incision. Patients in the control(saline) group will receive a single dose of saline, 0.3 mg/kg of body weight within one hour of the incision. Saline: Single dose of Dexamethasone IV or Saline IV given within the first hour of surgery
Change in the Occurrence of Dysphagia -Bazaz Scale
1.61 score on a scale
Standard Deviation 1.76
2.06 score on a scale
Standard Deviation 1.62

PRIMARY outcome

Timeframe: Baseline to Week 2

Population: Participants could not be reached by phone at the individual time points, however, this did not disqualify them from future time point calls for the duration of the study. The individual missed time points did not get calculated in the statistical analysis.

Change from baseline scores on the dysphagia Bazaz Scale. • Bazaz grading system is designed for the evaluation of swallowing difficulty after cervical surgery. The patients are graded on a scale as having None (0), Mild (1), Moderate (2), or Severe (3) dysphagia based on their symptoms. None (0) or Mild (1) dysphagia is considered to be a better outcome.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Treatment 1; Dexamethasone
n=38 Participants
Drug: Treatment 1; Dexamethasone. Patients undergoing elective anterior cervical spine surgery will be seen by spine surgeons. After consent the Bazaz, EAT 10 and Dysphagia Short Questionnaire will be administered at baseline prior to surgery, Day 1, Day 2, 1 week, 2 weeks, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months after surgery. Patients will be randomized to either the single dose steroid administration group or the single dose saline administration group. Patients randomized to the experimental (steroid) group will receive a single dose, 0.3 mg/kg of body weight of intravenous dexamethasone within one hour of the incision. Patients in the control(saline) group will receive a single dose of saline, 0.3 mg/kg of body weight within one hour of incision. Dexamethasone: Single dose of Dexamethasone IV or Saline IV given within the first hour of surgery
Treatment 0; Placebo
n=37 Participants
Drug: Treatment 0; Saline placebo. Patients undergoing elective anterior cervical spine surgery will be seen by spine surgeons. After consent the Bazaz, EAT 10, and Dysphagia Short Questionnaire will be administered at baseline prior to surgery, Day 1, Day 2, 1 week, 2 weeks, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months after surgery. Patients will be randomized to either the steroid administration group or the saline administration group. Patients randomized to the experimental (steroid) group will receive a single dose, 0.3 mg/kg of body weight of intravenous dexamethasone within one hour of the incision. Patients in the control(saline) group will receive a single dose of saline, 0.3 mg/kg of body weight within one hour of the incision. Saline: Single dose of Dexamethasone IV or Saline IV given within the first hour of surgery
Change in the Occurrence of Dysphagia -Bazaz Scale
1.03 score on a scale
Standard Deviation 1.52
1.24 score on a scale
Standard Deviation 1.57

PRIMARY outcome

Timeframe: Baseline to Month 3

Population: Participants could not be reached by phone at the individual time points, however, this did not disqualify them from future time point calls for the duration of the study. The individual missed time points did not get calculated in the statistical analysis.

Change from baseline scores on the dysphagia Bazaz Scale. • Bazaz grading system is designed for the evaluation of swallowing difficulty after cervical surgery. The patients are graded on a scale as having None (0), Mild (1), Moderate (2), or Severe (3) dysphagia based on their symptoms. None (0) or Mild (1) dysphagia is considered to be a better outcome.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Treatment 1; Dexamethasone
n=37 Participants
Drug: Treatment 1; Dexamethasone. Patients undergoing elective anterior cervical spine surgery will be seen by spine surgeons. After consent the Bazaz, EAT 10 and Dysphagia Short Questionnaire will be administered at baseline prior to surgery, Day 1, Day 2, 1 week, 2 weeks, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months after surgery. Patients will be randomized to either the single dose steroid administration group or the single dose saline administration group. Patients randomized to the experimental (steroid) group will receive a single dose, 0.3 mg/kg of body weight of intravenous dexamethasone within one hour of the incision. Patients in the control(saline) group will receive a single dose of saline, 0.3 mg/kg of body weight within one hour of incision. Dexamethasone: Single dose of Dexamethasone IV or Saline IV given within the first hour of surgery
Treatment 0; Placebo
n=36 Participants
Drug: Treatment 0; Saline placebo. Patients undergoing elective anterior cervical spine surgery will be seen by spine surgeons. After consent the Bazaz, EAT 10, and Dysphagia Short Questionnaire will be administered at baseline prior to surgery, Day 1, Day 2, 1 week, 2 weeks, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months after surgery. Patients will be randomized to either the steroid administration group or the saline administration group. Patients randomized to the experimental (steroid) group will receive a single dose, 0.3 mg/kg of body weight of intravenous dexamethasone within one hour of the incision. Patients in the control(saline) group will receive a single dose of saline, 0.3 mg/kg of body weight within one hour of the incision. Saline: Single dose of Dexamethasone IV or Saline IV given within the first hour of surgery
Change in the Occurrence of Dysphagia -Bazaz Scale
0.16 score on a scale
Standard Deviation 0.54
0.47 score on a scale
Standard Deviation 1.03

PRIMARY outcome

Timeframe: Baseline to Month 12

Population: Participants could not be reached by phone at the individual time points, however, this did not disqualify them from future time point calls for the duration of the study. The individual missed time points did not get calculated in the statistical analysis.

Change from baseline scores on the dysphagia Bazaz Scale. • Bazaz grading system is designed for the evaluation of swallowing difficulty after cervical surgery. The patients are graded on a scale as having None (0), Mild (1), Moderate (2), or Severe (3) dysphagia based on their symptoms. None (0) or Mild (1) dysphagia is considered to be a better outcome.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Treatment 1; Dexamethasone
n=35 Participants
Drug: Treatment 1; Dexamethasone. Patients undergoing elective anterior cervical spine surgery will be seen by spine surgeons. After consent the Bazaz, EAT 10 and Dysphagia Short Questionnaire will be administered at baseline prior to surgery, Day 1, Day 2, 1 week, 2 weeks, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months after surgery. Patients will be randomized to either the single dose steroid administration group or the single dose saline administration group. Patients randomized to the experimental (steroid) group will receive a single dose, 0.3 mg/kg of body weight of intravenous dexamethasone within one hour of the incision. Patients in the control(saline) group will receive a single dose of saline, 0.3 mg/kg of body weight within one hour of incision. Dexamethasone: Single dose of Dexamethasone IV or Saline IV given within the first hour of surgery
Treatment 0; Placebo
n=35 Participants
Drug: Treatment 0; Saline placebo. Patients undergoing elective anterior cervical spine surgery will be seen by spine surgeons. After consent the Bazaz, EAT 10, and Dysphagia Short Questionnaire will be administered at baseline prior to surgery, Day 1, Day 2, 1 week, 2 weeks, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months after surgery. Patients will be randomized to either the steroid administration group or the saline administration group. Patients randomized to the experimental (steroid) group will receive a single dose, 0.3 mg/kg of body weight of intravenous dexamethasone within one hour of the incision. Patients in the control(saline) group will receive a single dose of saline, 0.3 mg/kg of body weight within one hour of the incision. Saline: Single dose of Dexamethasone IV or Saline IV given within the first hour of surgery
Change in the Occurrence of Dysphagia -Bazaz Scale
0.26 score on a scale
Standard Deviation 0.74
0.24 score on a scale
Standard Deviation 0.70

PRIMARY outcome

Timeframe: Baseline to Month 1

Population: Participants could not be reached by phone at the individual time points, however, this did not disqualify them from future time point calls for the duration of the study. The individual missed time points did not get calculated in the statistical analysis.

Change from baseline scores on the dysphagia Bazaz Scale. • Bazaz grading system is designed for the evaluation of swallowing difficulty after cervical surgery. The patients are graded on a scale as having None (0), Mild (1), Moderate (2), or Severe (3) dysphagia based on their symptoms. None (0) or Mild (1) dysphagia is considered to be a better outcome.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Treatment 1; Dexamethasone
n=38 Participants
Drug: Treatment 1; Dexamethasone. Patients undergoing elective anterior cervical spine surgery will be seen by spine surgeons. After consent the Bazaz, EAT 10 and Dysphagia Short Questionnaire will be administered at baseline prior to surgery, Day 1, Day 2, 1 week, 2 weeks, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months after surgery. Patients will be randomized to either the single dose steroid administration group or the single dose saline administration group. Patients randomized to the experimental (steroid) group will receive a single dose, 0.3 mg/kg of body weight of intravenous dexamethasone within one hour of the incision. Patients in the control(saline) group will receive a single dose of saline, 0.3 mg/kg of body weight within one hour of incision. Dexamethasone: Single dose of Dexamethasone IV or Saline IV given within the first hour of surgery
Treatment 0; Placebo
n=37 Participants
Drug: Treatment 0; Saline placebo. Patients undergoing elective anterior cervical spine surgery will be seen by spine surgeons. After consent the Bazaz, EAT 10, and Dysphagia Short Questionnaire will be administered at baseline prior to surgery, Day 1, Day 2, 1 week, 2 weeks, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months after surgery. Patients will be randomized to either the steroid administration group or the saline administration group. Patients randomized to the experimental (steroid) group will receive a single dose, 0.3 mg/kg of body weight of intravenous dexamethasone within one hour of the incision. Patients in the control(saline) group will receive a single dose of saline, 0.3 mg/kg of body weight within one hour of the incision. Saline: Single dose of Dexamethasone IV or Saline IV given within the first hour of surgery
Change in the Occurrence of Dysphagia -Bazaz Scale
0.95 score on a scale
Standard Deviation 1.35
0.62 score on a scale
Standard Deviation 1.06

PRIMARY outcome

Timeframe: Baseline to Month 6

Population: Participants could not be reached by phone at the individual time points, however, this did not disqualify them from future time point calls for the duration of the study. The individual missed time points did not get calculated in the statistical analysis.

Change from baseline scores on the dysphagia Bazaz Scale. • Bazaz grading system is designed for the evaluation of swallowing difficulty after cervical surgery. The patients are graded on a scale as having None (0), Mild (1), Moderate (2), or Severe (3) dysphagia based on their symptoms. None (0) or Mild (1) dysphagia is considered to be a better outcome.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Treatment 1; Dexamethasone
n=36 Participants
Drug: Treatment 1; Dexamethasone. Patients undergoing elective anterior cervical spine surgery will be seen by spine surgeons. After consent the Bazaz, EAT 10 and Dysphagia Short Questionnaire will be administered at baseline prior to surgery, Day 1, Day 2, 1 week, 2 weeks, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months after surgery. Patients will be randomized to either the single dose steroid administration group or the single dose saline administration group. Patients randomized to the experimental (steroid) group will receive a single dose, 0.3 mg/kg of body weight of intravenous dexamethasone within one hour of the incision. Patients in the control(saline) group will receive a single dose of saline, 0.3 mg/kg of body weight within one hour of incision. Dexamethasone: Single dose of Dexamethasone IV or Saline IV given within the first hour of surgery
Treatment 0; Placebo
n=35 Participants
Drug: Treatment 0; Saline placebo. Patients undergoing elective anterior cervical spine surgery will be seen by spine surgeons. After consent the Bazaz, EAT 10, and Dysphagia Short Questionnaire will be administered at baseline prior to surgery, Day 1, Day 2, 1 week, 2 weeks, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months after surgery. Patients will be randomized to either the steroid administration group or the saline administration group. Patients randomized to the experimental (steroid) group will receive a single dose, 0.3 mg/kg of body weight of intravenous dexamethasone within one hour of the incision. Patients in the control(saline) group will receive a single dose of saline, 0.3 mg/kg of body weight within one hour of the incision. Saline: Single dose of Dexamethasone IV or Saline IV given within the first hour of surgery
Change in the Occurrence of Dysphagia -Bazaz Scale
0.28 score on a scale
Standard Deviation 0.88
0.06 score on a scale
Standard Deviation 0.24

PRIMARY outcome

Timeframe: Baseline to Day 1

Population: Participants could not be reached by phone at the individual time points, however, this did not disqualify them from future time point calls for the duration of the study. The individual missed time points did not get calculated in the statistical analysis. Two participants were withdrawn at surgery (treatment 1 group).

Change from baseline scores on the dysphagia DSQ. Dysphagia Short Questionnaire (DSQ) is designed for the evaluation of swallowing difficulty after cervical surgery. Each question is given a weighted number from 0 points up to 4 points. The total score is calculated by summing up the points given for each item with the total range being from 0 points to a maximum of 18 points. The lower scores represent milder symptoms, and higher scores represent worse symptoms.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Treatment 1; Dexamethasone
n=36 Participants
Drug: Treatment 1; Dexamethasone. Patients undergoing elective anterior cervical spine surgery will be seen by spine surgeons. After consent the Bazaz, EAT 10 and Dysphagia Short Questionnaire will be administered at baseline prior to surgery, Day 1, Day 2, 1 week, 2 weeks, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months after surgery. Patients will be randomized to either the single dose steroid administration group or the single dose saline administration group. Patients randomized to the experimental (steroid) group will receive a single dose, 0.3 mg/kg of body weight of intravenous dexamethasone within one hour of the incision. Patients in the control(saline) group will receive a single dose of saline, 0.3 mg/kg of body weight within one hour of incision. Dexamethasone: Single dose of Dexamethasone IV or Saline IV given within the first hour of surgery
Treatment 0; Placebo
n=37 Participants
Drug: Treatment 0; Saline placebo. Patients undergoing elective anterior cervical spine surgery will be seen by spine surgeons. After consent the Bazaz, EAT 10, and Dysphagia Short Questionnaire will be administered at baseline prior to surgery, Day 1, Day 2, 1 week, 2 weeks, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months after surgery. Patients will be randomized to either the steroid administration group or the saline administration group. Patients randomized to the experimental (steroid) group will receive a single dose, 0.3 mg/kg of body weight of intravenous dexamethasone within one hour of the incision. Patients in the control(saline) group will receive a single dose of saline, 0.3 mg/kg of body weight within one hour of the incision. Saline: Single dose of Dexamethasone IV or Saline IV given within the first hour of surgery
Change in the Occurrence of Dysphagia - Dysphagia Short Questionnaire (DSQ).
2.81 score on a scale
Standard Deviation 2.73
3.76 score on a scale
Standard Deviation 2.28

PRIMARY outcome

Timeframe: Baseline to Day 2

Population: Participants could not be reached by phone at the individual time points, however, this did not disqualify them from future time point calls for the duration of the study. The individual missed time points did not get calculated in the statistical analysis. Two participants were withdrawn at surgery (treatment 1 group).

Change from baseline scores on the dysphagia DSQ. • Dysphagia Short Questionnaire (DSQ) is designed for the evaluation of swallowing difficulty after cervical surgery. Each question is given a weighted number from 0 points up to 4 points. The total score is calculated by summing up the points given for each item with the total range being from 0 points to a maximum of 18 points. The lower scores represent milder symptoms, and higher scores represent worse symptoms.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Treatment 1; Dexamethasone
n=36 Participants
Drug: Treatment 1; Dexamethasone. Patients undergoing elective anterior cervical spine surgery will be seen by spine surgeons. After consent the Bazaz, EAT 10 and Dysphagia Short Questionnaire will be administered at baseline prior to surgery, Day 1, Day 2, 1 week, 2 weeks, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months after surgery. Patients will be randomized to either the single dose steroid administration group or the single dose saline administration group. Patients randomized to the experimental (steroid) group will receive a single dose, 0.3 mg/kg of body weight of intravenous dexamethasone within one hour of the incision. Patients in the control(saline) group will receive a single dose of saline, 0.3 mg/kg of body weight within one hour of incision. Dexamethasone: Single dose of Dexamethasone IV or Saline IV given within the first hour of surgery
Treatment 0; Placebo
n=37 Participants
Drug: Treatment 0; Saline placebo. Patients undergoing elective anterior cervical spine surgery will be seen by spine surgeons. After consent the Bazaz, EAT 10, and Dysphagia Short Questionnaire will be administered at baseline prior to surgery, Day 1, Day 2, 1 week, 2 weeks, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months after surgery. Patients will be randomized to either the steroid administration group or the saline administration group. Patients randomized to the experimental (steroid) group will receive a single dose, 0.3 mg/kg of body weight of intravenous dexamethasone within one hour of the incision. Patients in the control(saline) group will receive a single dose of saline, 0.3 mg/kg of body weight within one hour of the incision. Saline: Single dose of Dexamethasone IV or Saline IV given within the first hour of surgery
Change in the Occurrence of Dysphagia - Dysphagia Short Questionnaire (DSQ).
3.22 score on a scale
Standard Deviation 2.63
3.5 score on a scale
Standard Deviation 2.56

PRIMARY outcome

Timeframe: Baseline to Week 1

Population: Participants could not be reached by phone at the individual time points, however, this did not disqualify them from future time point calls for the duration of the study. The individual missed time points did not get calculated in the statistical analysis. Two participants were withdrawn at surgery (treatment 1 group).

Change from baseline scores on the dysphagia DSQ. Dysphagia Short Questionnaire (DSQ) is designed for the evaluation of swallowing difficulty after cervical surgery. Each question is given a weighted number from 0 points up to 4 points. The total score is calculated by summing up the points given for each item with the total range being from 0 points to a maximum of 18 points. The lower scores represent milder symptoms, and higher scores represent worse symptoms.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Treatment 1; Dexamethasone
n=36 Participants
Drug: Treatment 1; Dexamethasone. Patients undergoing elective anterior cervical spine surgery will be seen by spine surgeons. After consent the Bazaz, EAT 10 and Dysphagia Short Questionnaire will be administered at baseline prior to surgery, Day 1, Day 2, 1 week, 2 weeks, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months after surgery. Patients will be randomized to either the single dose steroid administration group or the single dose saline administration group. Patients randomized to the experimental (steroid) group will receive a single dose, 0.3 mg/kg of body weight of intravenous dexamethasone within one hour of the incision. Patients in the control(saline) group will receive a single dose of saline, 0.3 mg/kg of body weight within one hour of incision. Dexamethasone: Single dose of Dexamethasone IV or Saline IV given within the first hour of surgery
Treatment 0; Placebo
n=35 Participants
Drug: Treatment 0; Saline placebo. Patients undergoing elective anterior cervical spine surgery will be seen by spine surgeons. After consent the Bazaz, EAT 10, and Dysphagia Short Questionnaire will be administered at baseline prior to surgery, Day 1, Day 2, 1 week, 2 weeks, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months after surgery. Patients will be randomized to either the steroid administration group or the saline administration group. Patients randomized to the experimental (steroid) group will receive a single dose, 0.3 mg/kg of body weight of intravenous dexamethasone within one hour of the incision. Patients in the control(saline) group will receive a single dose of saline, 0.3 mg/kg of body weight within one hour of the incision. Saline: Single dose of Dexamethasone IV or Saline IV given within the first hour of surgery
Change in the Occurrence of Dysphagia - Dysphagia Short Questionnaire (DSQ).
2.92 score on a scale
Standard Deviation 3.41
3.75 score on a scale
Standard Deviation 3.08

PRIMARY outcome

Timeframe: Baseline to Week 2

Population: Participants could not be reached by phone at the individual time points, however, this did not disqualify them from future time point calls for the duration of the study. The individual missed time points did not get calculated in the statistical analysis. Two participants were withdrawn at surgery (treatment 1 group).

Change from baseline scores on the dysphagia DSQ.• Dysphagia Short Questionnaire (DSQ) is designed for the evaluation of swallowing difficulty after cervical surgery. Each question is given a weighted number from 0 points up to 4 points. The total score is calculated by summing up the points given for each item with the total range being from 0 points to a maximum of 18 points. The lower scores represent milder symptoms, and higher scores represent worse symptoms.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Treatment 1; Dexamethasone
n=36 Participants
Drug: Treatment 1; Dexamethasone. Patients undergoing elective anterior cervical spine surgery will be seen by spine surgeons. After consent the Bazaz, EAT 10 and Dysphagia Short Questionnaire will be administered at baseline prior to surgery, Day 1, Day 2, 1 week, 2 weeks, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months after surgery. Patients will be randomized to either the single dose steroid administration group or the single dose saline administration group. Patients randomized to the experimental (steroid) group will receive a single dose, 0.3 mg/kg of body weight of intravenous dexamethasone within one hour of the incision. Patients in the control(saline) group will receive a single dose of saline, 0.3 mg/kg of body weight within one hour of incision. Dexamethasone: Single dose of Dexamethasone IV or Saline IV given within the first hour of surgery
Treatment 0; Placebo
n=37 Participants
Drug: Treatment 0; Saline placebo. Patients undergoing elective anterior cervical spine surgery will be seen by spine surgeons. After consent the Bazaz, EAT 10, and Dysphagia Short Questionnaire will be administered at baseline prior to surgery, Day 1, Day 2, 1 week, 2 weeks, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months after surgery. Patients will be randomized to either the steroid administration group or the saline administration group. Patients randomized to the experimental (steroid) group will receive a single dose, 0.3 mg/kg of body weight of intravenous dexamethasone within one hour of the incision. Patients in the control(saline) group will receive a single dose of saline, 0.3 mg/kg of body weight within one hour of the incision. Saline: Single dose of Dexamethasone IV or Saline IV given within the first hour of surgery
Change in the Occurrence of Dysphagia - Dysphagia Short Questionnaire (DSQ).
1.89 score on a scale
Standard Deviation 2.98
2.62 score on a scale
Standard Deviation 2.73

PRIMARY outcome

Timeframe: Baseline to Month 1

Population: Participants could not be reached by phone at the individual time points, however, this did not disqualify them from future time point calls for the duration of the study. The individual missed time points did not get calculated in the statistical analysis. Two participants were withdrawn at surgery (treatment 1 group).

Change from baseline scores on the dysphagia DSQ.• Dysphagia Short Questionnaire (DSQ) is designed for the evaluation of swallowing difficulty after cervical surgery. Each question is given a weighted number from 0 points up to 4 points. The total score is calculated by summing up the points given for each item with the total range being from 0 points to a maximum of 18 points. The lower scores represent milder symptoms, and higher scores represent worse symptoms.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Treatment 1; Dexamethasone
n=38 Participants
Drug: Treatment 1; Dexamethasone. Patients undergoing elective anterior cervical spine surgery will be seen by spine surgeons. After consent the Bazaz, EAT 10 and Dysphagia Short Questionnaire will be administered at baseline prior to surgery, Day 1, Day 2, 1 week, 2 weeks, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months after surgery. Patients will be randomized to either the single dose steroid administration group or the single dose saline administration group. Patients randomized to the experimental (steroid) group will receive a single dose, 0.3 mg/kg of body weight of intravenous dexamethasone within one hour of the incision. Patients in the control(saline) group will receive a single dose of saline, 0.3 mg/kg of body weight within one hour of incision. Dexamethasone: Single dose of Dexamethasone IV or Saline IV given within the first hour of surgery
Treatment 0; Placebo
n=37 Participants
Drug: Treatment 0; Saline placebo. Patients undergoing elective anterior cervical spine surgery will be seen by spine surgeons. After consent the Bazaz, EAT 10, and Dysphagia Short Questionnaire will be administered at baseline prior to surgery, Day 1, Day 2, 1 week, 2 weeks, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months after surgery. Patients will be randomized to either the steroid administration group or the saline administration group. Patients randomized to the experimental (steroid) group will receive a single dose, 0.3 mg/kg of body weight of intravenous dexamethasone within one hour of the incision. Patients in the control(saline) group will receive a single dose of saline, 0.3 mg/kg of body weight within one hour of the incision. Saline: Single dose of Dexamethasone IV or Saline IV given within the first hour of surgery
Change in the Occurrence of Dysphagia - Dysphagia Short Questionnaire (DSQ).
1.79 score on a scale
Standard Deviation 2.48
1.73 score on a scale
Standard Deviation 2.26

PRIMARY outcome

Timeframe: Baseline to Month 3

Population: Participants could not be reached by phone at the individual time points, however, this did not disqualify them from future time point calls for the duration of the study. The individual missed time points did not get calculated in the statistical analysis. Two participants were withdrawn at surgery (treatment 1 group).

Change from baseline scores on the dysphagia DSQ. • Dysphagia Short Questionnaire (DSQ) is designed for the evaluation of swallowing difficulty after cervical surgery. Each question is given a weighted number from 0 points up to 4 points. The total score is calculated by summing up the points given for each item with the total range being from 0 points to a maximum of 18 points. The lower scores represent milder symptoms, and higher scores represent worse symptoms.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Treatment 1; Dexamethasone
n=37 Participants
Drug: Treatment 1; Dexamethasone. Patients undergoing elective anterior cervical spine surgery will be seen by spine surgeons. After consent the Bazaz, EAT 10 and Dysphagia Short Questionnaire will be administered at baseline prior to surgery, Day 1, Day 2, 1 week, 2 weeks, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months after surgery. Patients will be randomized to either the single dose steroid administration group or the single dose saline administration group. Patients randomized to the experimental (steroid) group will receive a single dose, 0.3 mg/kg of body weight of intravenous dexamethasone within one hour of the incision. Patients in the control(saline) group will receive a single dose of saline, 0.3 mg/kg of body weight within one hour of incision. Dexamethasone: Single dose of Dexamethasone IV or Saline IV given within the first hour of surgery
Treatment 0; Placebo
n=36 Participants
Drug: Treatment 0; Saline placebo. Patients undergoing elective anterior cervical spine surgery will be seen by spine surgeons. After consent the Bazaz, EAT 10, and Dysphagia Short Questionnaire will be administered at baseline prior to surgery, Day 1, Day 2, 1 week, 2 weeks, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months after surgery. Patients will be randomized to either the steroid administration group or the saline administration group. Patients randomized to the experimental (steroid) group will receive a single dose, 0.3 mg/kg of body weight of intravenous dexamethasone within one hour of the incision. Patients in the control(saline) group will receive a single dose of saline, 0.3 mg/kg of body weight within one hour of the incision. Saline: Single dose of Dexamethasone IV or Saline IV given within the first hour of surgery
Change in the Occurrence of Dysphagia - Dysphagia Short Questionnaire (DSQ).
0.62 score on a scale
Standard Deviation 1.38
0.86 score on a scale
Standard Deviation 1.17

PRIMARY outcome

Timeframe: Baseline to Month 6

Population: Participants could not be reached by phone at the individual time points, however, this did not disqualify them from future time point calls for the duration of the study. The individual missed time points did not get calculated in the statistical analysis. Two participants were withdrawn at surgery (treatment 1 group).

Change from baseline scores on the dysphagia DSQ.• Dysphagia Short Questionnaire (DSQ) is designed for the evaluation of swallowing difficulty after cervical surgery. Each question is given a weighted number from 0 points up to 4 points. The total score is calculated by summing up the points given for each item with the total range being from 0 points to a maximum of 18 points. The lower scores represent milder symptoms, and higher scores represent worse symptoms.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Treatment 1; Dexamethasone
n=36 Participants
Drug: Treatment 1; Dexamethasone. Patients undergoing elective anterior cervical spine surgery will be seen by spine surgeons. After consent the Bazaz, EAT 10 and Dysphagia Short Questionnaire will be administered at baseline prior to surgery, Day 1, Day 2, 1 week, 2 weeks, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months after surgery. Patients will be randomized to either the single dose steroid administration group or the single dose saline administration group. Patients randomized to the experimental (steroid) group will receive a single dose, 0.3 mg/kg of body weight of intravenous dexamethasone within one hour of the incision. Patients in the control(saline) group will receive a single dose of saline, 0.3 mg/kg of body weight within one hour of incision. Dexamethasone: Single dose of Dexamethasone IV or Saline IV given within the first hour of surgery
Treatment 0; Placebo
n=35 Participants
Drug: Treatment 0; Saline placebo. Patients undergoing elective anterior cervical spine surgery will be seen by spine surgeons. After consent the Bazaz, EAT 10, and Dysphagia Short Questionnaire will be administered at baseline prior to surgery, Day 1, Day 2, 1 week, 2 weeks, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months after surgery. Patients will be randomized to either the steroid administration group or the saline administration group. Patients randomized to the experimental (steroid) group will receive a single dose, 0.3 mg/kg of body weight of intravenous dexamethasone within one hour of the incision. Patients in the control(saline) group will receive a single dose of saline, 0.3 mg/kg of body weight within one hour of the incision. Saline: Single dose of Dexamethasone IV or Saline IV given within the first hour of surgery
Change in the Occurrence of Dysphagia - Dysphagia Short Questionnaire (DSQ).
0.56 score on a scale
Standard Deviation 1.11
0.23 score on a scale
Standard Deviation 0.65

PRIMARY outcome

Timeframe: Baseline to Month 12

Population: Participants could not be reached by phone at the individual time points, however, this did not disqualify them from future time point calls for the duration of the study. The individual missed time points did not get calculated in the statistical analysis. Two participants were withdrawn at surgery (treatment 1 group).

Change from baseline scores on the dysphagia DSQ. • Dysphagia Short Questionnaire (DSQ) is designed for the evaluation of swallowing difficulty after cervical surgery. Each question is given a weighted number from 0 points up to 4 points. The total score is calculated by summing up the points given for each item with the total range being from 0 points to a maximum of 18 points. The lower scores represent milder symptoms, and higher scores represent worse symptoms.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Treatment 1; Dexamethasone
n=35 Participants
Drug: Treatment 1; Dexamethasone. Patients undergoing elective anterior cervical spine surgery will be seen by spine surgeons. After consent the Bazaz, EAT 10 and Dysphagia Short Questionnaire will be administered at baseline prior to surgery, Day 1, Day 2, 1 week, 2 weeks, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months after surgery. Patients will be randomized to either the single dose steroid administration group or the single dose saline administration group. Patients randomized to the experimental (steroid) group will receive a single dose, 0.3 mg/kg of body weight of intravenous dexamethasone within one hour of the incision. Patients in the control(saline) group will receive a single dose of saline, 0.3 mg/kg of body weight within one hour of incision. Dexamethasone: Single dose of Dexamethasone IV or Saline IV given within the first hour of surgery
Treatment 0; Placebo
n=35 Participants
Drug: Treatment 0; Saline placebo. Patients undergoing elective anterior cervical spine surgery will be seen by spine surgeons. After consent the Bazaz, EAT 10, and Dysphagia Short Questionnaire will be administered at baseline prior to surgery, Day 1, Day 2, 1 week, 2 weeks, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months after surgery. Patients will be randomized to either the steroid administration group or the saline administration group. Patients randomized to the experimental (steroid) group will receive a single dose, 0.3 mg/kg of body weight of intravenous dexamethasone within one hour of the incision. Patients in the control(saline) group will receive a single dose of saline, 0.3 mg/kg of body weight within one hour of the incision. Saline: Single dose of Dexamethasone IV or Saline IV given within the first hour of surgery
Change in the Occurrence of Dysphagia - Dysphagia Short Questionnaire (DSQ).
0.86 score on a scale
Standard Deviation 1.87
0.82 score on a scale
Standard Deviation 1.64

PRIMARY outcome

Timeframe: Baseline to Day 1

Population: Participants could not be reached by phone at the individual time points, however, this did not disqualify them from future time point calls for the duration of the study. The individual missed time points did not get calculated in the statistical analysis. Two participants were withdrawn at surgery (treatment 1 group).

Change from baseline scores on the dysphagia EAT 10 Screening is a screening tool to help measure swallowing difficulties, dysphagia severity \& monitor treatment response. It is a likert scale from 0-4, with a maximum score of 40. If the EAT-10 score is 3 or higher, this could indicate problems swallowing efficiently or safely.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Treatment 1; Dexamethasone
n=36 Participants
Drug: Treatment 1; Dexamethasone. Patients undergoing elective anterior cervical spine surgery will be seen by spine surgeons. After consent the Bazaz, EAT 10 and Dysphagia Short Questionnaire will be administered at baseline prior to surgery, Day 1, Day 2, 1 week, 2 weeks, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months after surgery. Patients will be randomized to either the single dose steroid administration group or the single dose saline administration group. Patients randomized to the experimental (steroid) group will receive a single dose, 0.3 mg/kg of body weight of intravenous dexamethasone within one hour of the incision. Patients in the control(saline) group will receive a single dose of saline, 0.3 mg/kg of body weight within one hour of incision. Dexamethasone: Single dose of Dexamethasone IV or Saline IV given within the first hour of surgery
Treatment 0; Placebo
n=37 Participants
Drug: Treatment 0; Saline placebo. Patients undergoing elective anterior cervical spine surgery will be seen by spine surgeons. After consent the Bazaz, EAT 10, and Dysphagia Short Questionnaire will be administered at baseline prior to surgery, Day 1, Day 2, 1 week, 2 weeks, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months after surgery. Patients will be randomized to either the steroid administration group or the saline administration group. Patients randomized to the experimental (steroid) group will receive a single dose, 0.3 mg/kg of body weight of intravenous dexamethasone within one hour of the incision. Patients in the control(saline) group will receive a single dose of saline, 0.3 mg/kg of body weight within one hour of the incision. Saline: Single dose of Dexamethasone IV or Saline IV given within the first hour of surgery
Change in the Occurrence of Dysphagia - Eating Assessment Tool (EAT 10) Screening.
11.89 score on a scale
Standard Deviation 10.28
17.49 score on a scale
Standard Deviation 8.86

PRIMARY outcome

Timeframe: Baseline to Day 2

Population: Participants could not be reached by phone at the individual time points, however, this did not disqualify them from future time point calls for the duration of the study. The individual missed time points did not get calculated in the statistical analysis. Two participants were withdrawn at surgery (treatment 1 group).

Change from baseline scores on the dysphagia EAT 10 Screening is a screening tool to help measure swallowing difficulties, dysphagia severity \& monitor treatment response. It is a likert scale from 0-4, with a maximum score of 40. If the EAT-10 score is 3 or higher, this could indicate problems swallowing efficiently or safely.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Treatment 1; Dexamethasone
n=36 Participants
Drug: Treatment 1; Dexamethasone. Patients undergoing elective anterior cervical spine surgery will be seen by spine surgeons. After consent the Bazaz, EAT 10 and Dysphagia Short Questionnaire will be administered at baseline prior to surgery, Day 1, Day 2, 1 week, 2 weeks, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months after surgery. Patients will be randomized to either the single dose steroid administration group or the single dose saline administration group. Patients randomized to the experimental (steroid) group will receive a single dose, 0.3 mg/kg of body weight of intravenous dexamethasone within one hour of the incision. Patients in the control(saline) group will receive a single dose of saline, 0.3 mg/kg of body weight within one hour of incision. Dexamethasone: Single dose of Dexamethasone IV or Saline IV given within the first hour of surgery
Treatment 0; Placebo
n=37 Participants
Drug: Treatment 0; Saline placebo. Patients undergoing elective anterior cervical spine surgery will be seen by spine surgeons. After consent the Bazaz, EAT 10, and Dysphagia Short Questionnaire will be administered at baseline prior to surgery, Day 1, Day 2, 1 week, 2 weeks, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months after surgery. Patients will be randomized to either the steroid administration group or the saline administration group. Patients randomized to the experimental (steroid) group will receive a single dose, 0.3 mg/kg of body weight of intravenous dexamethasone within one hour of the incision. Patients in the control(saline) group will receive a single dose of saline, 0.3 mg/kg of body weight within one hour of the incision. Saline: Single dose of Dexamethasone IV or Saline IV given within the first hour of surgery
Change in the Occurrence of Dysphagia - Eating Assessment Tool (EAT 10) Screening.
11.89 score on a scale
Standard Deviation 10.86
15.73 score on a scale
Standard Deviation 10.87

PRIMARY outcome

Timeframe: Baseline to Week 1

Population: Participants could not be reached by phone at the individual time points, however, this did not disqualify them from future time point calls for the duration of the study. The individual missed time points did not get calculated in the statistical analysis. Two participants were withdrawn at surgery (treatment 1 group).

Change from baseline scores on the dysphagia EAT 10 Screening is a screening tool to help measure swallowing difficulties, dysphagia severity \& monitor treatment response. It is a likert scale from 0-4, with a maximum score of 40. If the EAT-10 score is 3 or higher, this could indicate problems swallowing efficiently or safely.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Treatment 1; Dexamethasone
n=38 Participants
Drug: Treatment 1; Dexamethasone. Patients undergoing elective anterior cervical spine surgery will be seen by spine surgeons. After consent the Bazaz, EAT 10 and Dysphagia Short Questionnaire will be administered at baseline prior to surgery, Day 1, Day 2, 1 week, 2 weeks, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months after surgery. Patients will be randomized to either the single dose steroid administration group or the single dose saline administration group. Patients randomized to the experimental (steroid) group will receive a single dose, 0.3 mg/kg of body weight of intravenous dexamethasone within one hour of the incision. Patients in the control(saline) group will receive a single dose of saline, 0.3 mg/kg of body weight within one hour of incision. Dexamethasone: Single dose of Dexamethasone IV or Saline IV given within the first hour of surgery
Treatment 0; Placebo
n=38 Participants
Drug: Treatment 0; Saline placebo. Patients undergoing elective anterior cervical spine surgery will be seen by spine surgeons. After consent the Bazaz, EAT 10, and Dysphagia Short Questionnaire will be administered at baseline prior to surgery, Day 1, Day 2, 1 week, 2 weeks, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months after surgery. Patients will be randomized to either the steroid administration group or the saline administration group. Patients randomized to the experimental (steroid) group will receive a single dose, 0.3 mg/kg of body weight of intravenous dexamethasone within one hour of the incision. Patients in the control(saline) group will receive a single dose of saline, 0.3 mg/kg of body weight within one hour of the incision. Saline: Single dose of Dexamethasone IV or Saline IV given within the first hour of surgery
Change in the Occurrence of Dysphagia - Eating Assessment Tool (EAT 10) Screening.
8.22 score on a scale
Standard Deviation 9.88
9.89 score on a scale
Standard Deviation 9.88

PRIMARY outcome

Timeframe: Baseline to Week 2

Population: Participants could not be reached by phone at the individual time points, however, this did not disqualify them from future time point calls for the duration of the study. The individual missed time points did not get calculated in the statistical analysis. Two participants were withdrawn at surgery (treatment 1 group).

Change from baseline scores on the dysphagia EAT 10 Screening is a screening tool to help measure swallowing difficulties, dysphagia severity \& monitor treatment response. It is a likert scale from 0-4, with a maximum score of 40. If the EAT-10 score is 3 or higher, this could indicate problems swallowing efficiently or safely.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Treatment 1; Dexamethasone
n=36 Participants
Drug: Treatment 1; Dexamethasone. Patients undergoing elective anterior cervical spine surgery will be seen by spine surgeons. After consent the Bazaz, EAT 10 and Dysphagia Short Questionnaire will be administered at baseline prior to surgery, Day 1, Day 2, 1 week, 2 weeks, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months after surgery. Patients will be randomized to either the single dose steroid administration group or the single dose saline administration group. Patients randomized to the experimental (steroid) group will receive a single dose, 0.3 mg/kg of body weight of intravenous dexamethasone within one hour of the incision. Patients in the control(saline) group will receive a single dose of saline, 0.3 mg/kg of body weight within one hour of incision. Dexamethasone: Single dose of Dexamethasone IV or Saline IV given within the first hour of surgery
Treatment 0; Placebo
n=37 Participants
Drug: Treatment 0; Saline placebo. Patients undergoing elective anterior cervical spine surgery will be seen by spine surgeons. After consent the Bazaz, EAT 10, and Dysphagia Short Questionnaire will be administered at baseline prior to surgery, Day 1, Day 2, 1 week, 2 weeks, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months after surgery. Patients will be randomized to either the steroid administration group or the saline administration group. Patients randomized to the experimental (steroid) group will receive a single dose, 0.3 mg/kg of body weight of intravenous dexamethasone within one hour of the incision. Patients in the control(saline) group will receive a single dose of saline, 0.3 mg/kg of body weight within one hour of the incision. Saline: Single dose of Dexamethasone IV or Saline IV given within the first hour of surgery
Change in the Occurrence of Dysphagia - Eating Assessment Tool (EAT 10) Screening.
4.53 score on a scale
Standard Deviation 7.50
5.70 score on a scale
Standard Deviation 7.97

PRIMARY outcome

Timeframe: Baseline to Month 1

Population: Participants could not be reached by phone at the individual time points, however, this did not disqualify them from future time point calls for the duration of the study. The individual missed time points did not get calculated in the statistical analysis. Two participants were withdrawn at surgery (treatment 1 group).

Change from baseline scores on the dysphagia EAT 10 Screening is a screening tool to help measure swallowing difficulties, dysphagia severity \& monitor treatment response. It is a likert scale from 0-4, with a maximum score of 40. If the EAT-10 score is 3 or higher, this could indicate problems swallowing efficiently or safely.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Treatment 1; Dexamethasone
n=38 Participants
Drug: Treatment 1; Dexamethasone. Patients undergoing elective anterior cervical spine surgery will be seen by spine surgeons. After consent the Bazaz, EAT 10 and Dysphagia Short Questionnaire will be administered at baseline prior to surgery, Day 1, Day 2, 1 week, 2 weeks, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months after surgery. Patients will be randomized to either the single dose steroid administration group or the single dose saline administration group. Patients randomized to the experimental (steroid) group will receive a single dose, 0.3 mg/kg of body weight of intravenous dexamethasone within one hour of the incision. Patients in the control(saline) group will receive a single dose of saline, 0.3 mg/kg of body weight within one hour of incision. Dexamethasone: Single dose of Dexamethasone IV or Saline IV given within the first hour of surgery
Treatment 0; Placebo
n=37 Participants
Drug: Treatment 0; Saline placebo. Patients undergoing elective anterior cervical spine surgery will be seen by spine surgeons. After consent the Bazaz, EAT 10, and Dysphagia Short Questionnaire will be administered at baseline prior to surgery, Day 1, Day 2, 1 week, 2 weeks, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months after surgery. Patients will be randomized to either the steroid administration group or the saline administration group. Patients randomized to the experimental (steroid) group will receive a single dose, 0.3 mg/kg of body weight of intravenous dexamethasone within one hour of the incision. Patients in the control(saline) group will receive a single dose of saline, 0.3 mg/kg of body weight within one hour of the incision. Saline: Single dose of Dexamethasone IV or Saline IV given within the first hour of surgery
Change in the Occurrence of Dysphagia - Eating Assessment Tool (EAT 10) Screening.
3.95 score on a scale
Standard Deviation 6.83
2.65 score on a scale
Standard Deviation 4.56

PRIMARY outcome

Timeframe: Baseline to Month 3

Population: Participants could not be reached by phone at the individual time points, however, this did not disqualify them from future time point calls for the duration of the study. The individual missed time points did not get calculated in the statistical analysis. Two participants were withdrawn at surgery (treatment 1 group).

Change from baseline scores on the dysphagia EAT 10 Screening is a screening tool to help measure swallowing difficulties, dysphagia severity \& monitor treatment response. It is a likert scale from 0-4, with a maximum score of 40. If the EAT-10 score is 3 or higher, this could indicate problems swallowing efficiently or safely.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Treatment 1; Dexamethasone
n=37 Participants
Drug: Treatment 1; Dexamethasone. Patients undergoing elective anterior cervical spine surgery will be seen by spine surgeons. After consent the Bazaz, EAT 10 and Dysphagia Short Questionnaire will be administered at baseline prior to surgery, Day 1, Day 2, 1 week, 2 weeks, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months after surgery. Patients will be randomized to either the single dose steroid administration group or the single dose saline administration group. Patients randomized to the experimental (steroid) group will receive a single dose, 0.3 mg/kg of body weight of intravenous dexamethasone within one hour of the incision. Patients in the control(saline) group will receive a single dose of saline, 0.3 mg/kg of body weight within one hour of incision. Dexamethasone: Single dose of Dexamethasone IV or Saline IV given within the first hour of surgery
Treatment 0; Placebo
n=36 Participants
Drug: Treatment 0; Saline placebo. Patients undergoing elective anterior cervical spine surgery will be seen by spine surgeons. After consent the Bazaz, EAT 10, and Dysphagia Short Questionnaire will be administered at baseline prior to surgery, Day 1, Day 2, 1 week, 2 weeks, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months after surgery. Patients will be randomized to either the steroid administration group or the saline administration group. Patients randomized to the experimental (steroid) group will receive a single dose, 0.3 mg/kg of body weight of intravenous dexamethasone within one hour of the incision. Patients in the control(saline) group will receive a single dose of saline, 0.3 mg/kg of body weight within one hour of the incision. Saline: Single dose of Dexamethasone IV or Saline IV given within the first hour of surgery
Change in the Occurrence of Dysphagia - Eating Assessment Tool (EAT 10) Screening.
0.97 score on a scale
Standard Deviation 2.32
1.28 score on a scale
Standard Deviation 2.21

PRIMARY outcome

Timeframe: Baseline to Month 6

Population: Participants could not be reached by phone at the individual time points, however, this did not disqualify them from future time point calls for the duration of the study. The individual missed time points did not get calculated in the statistical analysis. Two participants were withdrawn at surgery (treatment 1 group).

Change from baseline scores on the dysphagia EAT 10 Screening is a screening tool to help measure swallowing difficulties, dysphagia severity \& monitor treatment response. It is a likert scale from 0-4, with a maximum score of 40. If the EAT-10 score is 3 or higher, this could indicate problems swallowing efficiently or safely.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Treatment 1; Dexamethasone
n=36 Participants
Drug: Treatment 1; Dexamethasone. Patients undergoing elective anterior cervical spine surgery will be seen by spine surgeons. After consent the Bazaz, EAT 10 and Dysphagia Short Questionnaire will be administered at baseline prior to surgery, Day 1, Day 2, 1 week, 2 weeks, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months after surgery. Patients will be randomized to either the single dose steroid administration group or the single dose saline administration group. Patients randomized to the experimental (steroid) group will receive a single dose, 0.3 mg/kg of body weight of intravenous dexamethasone within one hour of the incision. Patients in the control(saline) group will receive a single dose of saline, 0.3 mg/kg of body weight within one hour of incision. Dexamethasone: Single dose of Dexamethasone IV or Saline IV given within the first hour of surgery
Treatment 0; Placebo
n=35 Participants
Drug: Treatment 0; Saline placebo. Patients undergoing elective anterior cervical spine surgery will be seen by spine surgeons. After consent the Bazaz, EAT 10, and Dysphagia Short Questionnaire will be administered at baseline prior to surgery, Day 1, Day 2, 1 week, 2 weeks, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months after surgery. Patients will be randomized to either the steroid administration group or the saline administration group. Patients randomized to the experimental (steroid) group will receive a single dose, 0.3 mg/kg of body weight of intravenous dexamethasone within one hour of the incision. Patients in the control(saline) group will receive a single dose of saline, 0.3 mg/kg of body weight within one hour of the incision. Saline: Single dose of Dexamethasone IV or Saline IV given within the first hour of surgery
Change in the Occurrence of Dysphagia - Eating Assessment Tool (EAT 10) Screening.
0.83 score on a scale
Standard Deviation 1.62
0.65 score on a scale
Standard Deviation 2.00

PRIMARY outcome

Timeframe: Baseline to Month 12

Population: Participants could not be reached by phone at the individual time points, however, this did not disqualify them from future time point calls for the duration of the study. The individual missed time points did not get calculated in the statistical analysis. Two participants were withdrawn at surgery (treatment 1 group).

Change from baseline scores on the dysphagia EAT 10 Screening is a screening tool to help measure swallowing difficulties, dysphagia severity \& monitor treatment response. It is a likert scale from 0-4, with a maximum score of 40. If the EAT-10 score is 3 or higher, this could indicate problems swallowing efficiently or safely.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Treatment 1; Dexamethasone
n=35 Participants
Drug: Treatment 1; Dexamethasone. Patients undergoing elective anterior cervical spine surgery will be seen by spine surgeons. After consent the Bazaz, EAT 10 and Dysphagia Short Questionnaire will be administered at baseline prior to surgery, Day 1, Day 2, 1 week, 2 weeks, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months after surgery. Patients will be randomized to either the single dose steroid administration group or the single dose saline administration group. Patients randomized to the experimental (steroid) group will receive a single dose, 0.3 mg/kg of body weight of intravenous dexamethasone within one hour of the incision. Patients in the control(saline) group will receive a single dose of saline, 0.3 mg/kg of body weight within one hour of incision. Dexamethasone: Single dose of Dexamethasone IV or Saline IV given within the first hour of surgery
Treatment 0; Placebo
n=35 Participants
Drug: Treatment 0; Saline placebo. Patients undergoing elective anterior cervical spine surgery will be seen by spine surgeons. After consent the Bazaz, EAT 10, and Dysphagia Short Questionnaire will be administered at baseline prior to surgery, Day 1, Day 2, 1 week, 2 weeks, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months after surgery. Patients will be randomized to either the steroid administration group or the saline administration group. Patients randomized to the experimental (steroid) group will receive a single dose, 0.3 mg/kg of body weight of intravenous dexamethasone within one hour of the incision. Patients in the control(saline) group will receive a single dose of saline, 0.3 mg/kg of body weight within one hour of the incision. Saline: Single dose of Dexamethasone IV or Saline IV given within the first hour of surgery
Change in the Occurrence of Dysphagia - Eating Assessment Tool (EAT 10) Screening.
2.09 score on a scale
Standard Deviation 4.86
2.44 score on a scale
Standard Deviation 6.66

Adverse Events

Treatment 1; Dexamethasone

Serious events: 0 serious events
Other events: 25 other events
Deaths: 2 deaths

Treatment 0; Placebo

Serious events: 0 serious events
Other events: 30 other events
Deaths: 1 deaths

Serious adverse events

Adverse event data not reported

Other adverse events

Other adverse events
Measure
Treatment 1; Dexamethasone
n=40 participants at risk
Drug: Treatment 1; Dexamethasone. Patients undergoing elective anterior cervical spine surgery will be seen by spine surgeons. After consent the Bazaz, EAT 10 and Dysphagia Short Questionnaire will be administered at baseline prior to surgery, Day 1, Day 2, 1 week, 2 weeks, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months after surgery. Patients will be randomized to either the single dose steroid administration group or the single dose saline administration group. Patients randomized to the experimental (steroid) group will receive a single dose, 0.3 mg/kg of body weight of intravenous dexamethasone within one hour of the incision. Patients in the control(saline) group will receive a single dose of saline, 0.3 mg/kg of body weight within one hour of incision. Dexamethasone: Single dose of Dexamethasone IV or Saline IV given within the first hour of surgery
Treatment 0; Placebo
n=38 participants at risk
Drug: Treatment 0; Saline placebo. Patients undergoing elective anterior cervical spine surgery will be seen by spine surgeons. After consent the Bazaz, EAT 10, and Dysphagia Short Questionnaire will be administered at baseline prior to surgery, Day 1, Day 2, 1 week, 2 weeks, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months after surgery. Patients will be randomized to either the steroid administration group or the saline administration group. Patients randomized to the experimental (steroid) group will receive a single dose, 0.3 mg/kg of body weight of intravenous dexamethasone within one hour of the incision. Patients in the control(saline) group will receive a single dose of saline, 0.3 mg/kg of body weight within one hour of the incision. Saline: Single dose of Dexamethasone IV or Saline IV given within the first hour of surgery
Surgical and medical procedures
appendix removal
0.00%
0/40 • Adverse Events were collected over the year of patient enrollment.
2.6%
1/38 • Number of events 1 • Adverse Events were collected over the year of patient enrollment.
Gastrointestinal disorders
Sore throat
0.00%
0/40 • Adverse Events were collected over the year of patient enrollment.
10.5%
4/38 • Number of events 4 • Adverse Events were collected over the year of patient enrollment.
Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders
Hypoxia
10.0%
4/40 • Number of events 4 • Adverse Events were collected over the year of patient enrollment.
10.5%
4/38 • Number of events 4 • Adverse Events were collected over the year of patient enrollment.
Cardiac disorders
PE/DVT
5.0%
2/40 • Number of events 2 • Adverse Events were collected over the year of patient enrollment.
0.00%
0/38 • Adverse Events were collected over the year of patient enrollment.
Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders
joint pain
7.5%
3/40 • Number of events 3 • Adverse Events were collected over the year of patient enrollment.
5.3%
2/38 • Number of events 2 • Adverse Events were collected over the year of patient enrollment.
Cardiac disorders
Chest Pain
5.0%
2/40 • Number of events 2 • Adverse Events were collected over the year of patient enrollment.
5.3%
2/38 • Number of events 2 • Adverse Events were collected over the year of patient enrollment.
Ear and labyrinth disorders
Dizziness
2.5%
1/40 • Number of events 1 • Adverse Events were collected over the year of patient enrollment.
2.6%
1/38 • Number of events 1 • Adverse Events were collected over the year of patient enrollment.
Gastrointestinal disorders
Nausea
10.0%
4/40 • Number of events 4 • Adverse Events were collected over the year of patient enrollment.
5.3%
2/38 • Number of events 2 • Adverse Events were collected over the year of patient enrollment.
Infections and infestations
Infection
5.0%
2/40 • Number of events 2 • Adverse Events were collected over the year of patient enrollment.
0.00%
0/38 • Adverse Events were collected over the year of patient enrollment.
Renal and urinary disorders
Urinary Retention
2.5%
1/40 • Number of events 1 • Adverse Events were collected over the year of patient enrollment.
0.00%
0/38 • Adverse Events were collected over the year of patient enrollment.
Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders
laceration
2.5%
1/40 • Number of events 1 • Adverse Events were collected over the year of patient enrollment.
2.6%
1/38 • Number of events 1 • Adverse Events were collected over the year of patient enrollment.
Social circumstances
Falls
2.5%
1/40 • Number of events 1 • Adverse Events were collected over the year of patient enrollment.
10.5%
4/38 • Number of events 4 • Adverse Events were collected over the year of patient enrollment.
Surgical and medical procedures
Planned surgical interventions
5.0%
2/40 • Number of events 2 • Adverse Events were collected over the year of patient enrollment.
7.9%
3/38 • Number of events 3 • Adverse Events were collected over the year of patient enrollment.
Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders
numbness/tingling
5.0%
2/40 • Number of events 2 • Adverse Events were collected over the year of patient enrollment.
15.8%
6/38 • Number of events 6 • Adverse Events were collected over the year of patient enrollment.

Additional Information

Scott Daffner, MD

West Virginia University

Phone: 304-293-1172

Results disclosure agreements

  • Principal investigator is a sponsor employee
  • Publication restrictions are in place