Effect of intrathecal Dexmedetomidine on preventing shivering after spinal anesthesia in caesarian section

Abstract

Abstract Background Shivering is among the common troublesome complications of spinal anesthesia (SA), and causes discomfort and discontentment in parturients undergoing cesarean section (CS). Objective to investigate the effects of intrathecal dexmedetomidine (DEX) as an adjuvant to heavy bupivacaine in the prevention of shivering in those who underwent CS under SA. Methods A prospective double-blind conducted at Ain Shams University hospitals on 100 parturients who are undergoing CS under Spinal anesthesia over a period of six months starting from December 2018 to May 2019 at Ain shams university hospitals. Patients were randomly subdivided into 2 groups of 50 patients each, Group BD: 5 micrograms DEX was added to 12.5 mg 0.5% heavy bupivacaine. Group BN: 0.5 mL 0.9% normal saline was added to the 12.5mg 0.5% of heavy bupivacaine. Results The incidence of shivering was significantly higher in the BN group (56%) than the BD group (24%). Likewise, the intensity of shivering was significantly higher in the BN group than the BD group. Conclusion Intrathecal DEX in conjugation with heavy bupivacaine reduced the incidence and intensity of shivering in patients undergoing cesarean section after spinal anesthesia and did not increase the incidence of hypotension or bradycardia.