Effect of single-dose intravenous dexamethasone on subjective voice quality after thyroidectomy: A meta-analysis

Background: Corticosteroids are widely used to treat voice change after thyroidectomy. In this study, we evaluated the effect of a single dose of intravenous dexamethasone after thyroidectomy using a metaanalysis. Methods: Relevant studies were identified by searching the following databases: Medline, Embase, and Cochrane through February 2017. We followed PRISMA guidelines. The following search terms were used: “thyroidectomy,” “voice,” “steroid.” Random-effects models were used to estimate standardized mean differences (SMDs) and 95% confidence intervals. Results: Our search yielded one retrospective cohort study involving 122 thyroidectomy patients and 3 randomized controlled studies involving 242 thyroidectomy patients. The pooled SMD for voice quality after thyroidectomy was 0.80 (P < .05). Subgroup analysis showed significant voice quality change 1 day after administration of dexamethasone. Conclusions: Single-dose intravenous dexamethasone after thyroidectomy significantly improves subjective voice quality on day 1. The effect was not different significantly after day 1. Level of evidence: Level 2a.