Antishivering effect of low dose meperidine in caesarean section under spinal anesthesia: A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial

Abstract

Shivering related to spinal anesthesia is a usual complication. This study was designed to evaluate the anti-shivering effect of small intrathecal dose of meperidine on the incidence and intensity of shivering in parturient with caesarean section under spinal anesthesia. Seventy parturient, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status I to II, scheduled for elective caesarean section under spinal anesthesia were enrolled in two groups. The parturient were randomized to receive 10 mg bupivacaine 0.5% and 10 mg meperidine (group BM, n= 35) or placebo (10 mg bupivacaine 0.5% and normal saline, group B, n= 35) 3 min after spinal puncture. Demographic values, surgery data, adverse events and the mean intensity for each parturient were assessed during the whole time of study period by a blinded observer. The incidence of shivering during the whole time of the study period was significantly decreased in the group of parturient who received intrathecal meperidine (p<0.001). There were no significant differences in the other measured variables. These findings indicate that using single-shot, mini-dose intrathecal Meperidine (10 mg) reduces the severity and intensity of intra- and post-operative shivering in caesarean section under spinal anesthesia without increasing adverse events. © 2013 Asian Network for Scientific Information.