A comparison of the effect of dexamethasone and pethidine for prevention of shivering after spinal anesthesia in caesarean section: randomization clinical trial

Abstract

Background: Postanesthetic shivering is one of the most common complications and problems after operations. Medications and drugs can be used to prevent postanesthetic shivering. The aim of this study is to compare the effects of Dexamethasone and Pethidine in preventing postanesthetic shivering after spinal anesthesia in Iranian women undergoing caesarean section.

Method: This double-blind randomized clinical trial was performed in 66 pregnant women who were referred to Ayatollah Moosavi Hospital in Zanjan, Iran for elective cesarean section, from December 2011 to November 2012. All participants who have ASA I-II were randomly classified into three groups: Dexamethasone receivers (Group A), Pethidine receivers (Group B), and Normal Saline receivers (Group C). Data were collected and analyzed using SPSS16 software. IRCT registration number of this study is IRCT201112198469N1.

Conclusion: Although statistically there was no significant difference between the three groups of Dexamethasone, Pethidine and Normal Saline receivers regarding shivering reduction; clinical complication rate in Dexamethasone group was lower comparedto Pethidine and Normal Saline groups.

Results: There was no significant difference between three groups regarding shivering reduction. There were 11 (72.5%) trembling cases in Normal Saline group, 6 cases (27.3%) in Dexamethasone group, and 12 cases (54.5%) in Pethidine group.