Shivering prevention during cesarean section by intrathecal injection of magnesium sulfate: randomized double-blind controlled study

Abstract

Background Shivering was found to be a common side effect with spinal anesthesia. It was observed in about 55% of patients with neuraxial anesthesia. It results in increased oxygen consumption and pain which usually interfere with patient’s monitoring. Objectives This study was designed to show the effect of intrathecal injection of magnesium sulfate to control shivering during spinal anesthesia for cesarean section. Study Design This study was a prospective randomized controlled double-blind study using a computer-generated randomization scheme. Methods 84 Women were randomly allocated into 2 groups: Magnesium sulfate group (M); patients received intrathecal 2 ml of 0.5% heavy bupivacaine (10 mg) plus 25 mg MgSO4. Placebo group (P); patients received intrathecal 2 ml of 0.5% heavy bupivicaine (10 mg) plus 0.5 ml normal saline. Vital signs, temperature, shiverig score, sensory level, motor block, and any complications were recorded. Results Shivering score revealed a statistically significant difference between both study groups throughout the whole intraoperative and postoperative periods with lower shivering incidence in the M group. There was a statistically significant difference between both groups regarding temperature readings during the first 30 minutes postoperatively. Intraoperative sensory level block was statistically significant different only 30 minutes after drugs injection. No serious complications were recorded in both groups. Conclusion We concluded that intrathecal Magnesium sulfate is safe and can decrease the incidence and intensity of shivering during cesarean section under spinal anesthesia, without having any serious side effects.