Dihydroergotamine and mobilization after major orthopedic surgery

The effects of dihydroergotamine (DHE) on the degree of mobilization and response to orthostatic stress after total hip arthroplasty were studied. In the mobilization study, 78 patients received DHE, 0.5 mg im, twice a day from the day of surgery until full mobilization was achieved. Eighty-four patients who received placebo served as controls. There was no significant difference in the time until the first day of mobilization or the degree of mobilization. In the orthostatic test condition, subgroups of 61 patients receiving placebo and 55 patients receiving DHE were subjected to orthostatic testing. There were no differences in cardiovascular response to bed rest or in orthostatic stress. We conclude that DHE does not stabilize the cardiovascular reaction to orthostatic stress, nor does it enhance mobilization in patients after total hip arthroplasty.