Prophylactic use of intravenous tramadol vs intravenous nalbuphine for control of postspinal shivering after knee arthroscopy: a randomized double-blind placebo controlled trial

Abstract

Abstract Background Post-anesthetic shivering refers to spontaneous, involuntary, rhythmic, oscillating and tremor-like muscle hyperactivity that increases metabolic heat production up to 600% after general or regional anesthesia. Shivering is not only subjectively unpleasant but is physiologically stressful because it elevates blood pressure, heart rate, oxygen consumption, and plasma catecholamine concentrations. Moreover, shivering may aggravate pain and hinder wound closure by simply stretching surgical incisions. Objective The aim of this work is to compare the efficacy of intravenous tramadol VS nalbuphine for prevention of post spinal shivering during knee arthroscopy. Methods This prospective randomized double blinded study was carried in Ain Shams University hospitals on 90 patients scheduled for knee arthroscopy. Patients were randomized into three groups 30 patients each: Group C: patients received normal saline 0.9%) intravenously. Group T: Patients received Tramadol 0.5 mg/kg intravenously. Group N: Patients received nalbuphine 0.1mg/kg intravenously. All drugs were given immediately after intra thecal injection of the anaesthetic drugs and returning to the supine position. Results The study revealed that the incidence of shivering was less in the tramadol (23.3%) and nalbuphine (26.7%) groups compared to the saline group (56.7%) (P < 0.05) with no significant difference between Nalbuphine and Tramadol groups (p > 0.05). The mean grade of shivering was comparable between the three groups (P > 0.05). Shivering onset was significantly earlier in the saline group (24.1±2.9 min) compared to Nalbuphine (32.3±4.9min) and Tramadol (36.4±4.3min) groups (P < 0.05) with no significant difference between Nalbuphine and Tramadol groups (p > 0.05). There were no significant differences among the three groups as regards hemodynamics (Heart rate and mean blood pressure), respiratory rate, oxygen saturations, body temperature, the incidence of nausea or vomiting (P > 0.05). While sedation grade was significantly highest in Nalbuphine group followed by Tramadol group and least in Saline group (P < 0.001). Conclusion The current study revealed that both tramadol 0.5mg/kg and balbuphine 0.1mg/kg was effective in prevention of post spinal shivering in patients undergoing knee arthroscopy.