Prophylactic ondansetron for preventing intraoperative shivering, nausea and vomiting during spinal anesthesia for cesarean section: a randomized controlled trial

Background

Shivering, nausea and vomiting are common complications in cesarean section during neuraxial anesthesia. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of prophylactic use of ondansetron on intraoperative shivering, nausea and vomiting in women undergoing cesarean section.

Methods

A total of 80 full-term parturients were randomly divided into the ondansetron group and the control group. The ondansetron group received 0.075 mg/kg of ondansetron 15 min before anesthesia, the control group were given the same volume of saline solution. The incidence of shivering, nausea and vomiting was noted. The occurrence and severity of shivering and other outcomes, such as hypotension, bradycardia and dizziness were recorded during the surgery. Umbilical arterial blood was analyzed, and the neonatal Apgar scores were assessed.

Results

The incidence of grade ≥1 shivering was lower in ondansetron group. The incidence of shivering, nausea and vomiting was significantly lower in ondansetron group than the control group (2.5% vs. 22.3%, P = 0.007, 2.5% vs. 40%, P = 0.001, respectively). No significant differences were observed in the incidence of hypotension, bradycardia, headache and dizziness between the 2 groups (P > 0.05). The umbilical artery pH and neonatal Apgar score were similar between the 2 groups (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

Prophylactic use of ondansetron could prevent intra-operative shivering and reduce the incidence of nausea and vomiting in cesarean section under spinal anesthesia without increasing the incidence of maternal and infant adverse events.

Clinical Trial Registration

https://www.chictr.org.cn, identifier ChiCTR2100042453.

Anaesthetic management of people with multiple sclerosis

There is a lack of published guidelines on the management of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) undergoing procedures that require anaesthesia and respective advice is largely based on retrospective studies or case reports. The aim of this paper is to provide recommendations for anaesthetists and neurologists for the management of patients with MS requiring anaesthesia. This review covers issues related to the anaesthetic management of patients with MS, with a focus on preoperative assessment, choice of anaesthetic techniques and agents, side-effects of drugs used during anaesthesia and their potential impact on the disease evolution, drug interactions that may occur, and the need to use monitoring devices. A systematic PubMed research was performed to retrieve relevant articles.

The Effect of Prophylactic Steroids on Shivering in Adults Undergoing Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

BACKGROUND

Shivering is common following anesthesia and surgery. Corticosteroids (steroids) have been tried to reduce the risk of shivering, but the evidence in favor of their use is uncertain. The primary objective of this review was to evaluate the effect of steroids on the risk of perioperative (intra- and postoperative) shivering versus controls (placebo and active controls). Additional objectives were to assess the risk of severity of shivering, patient satisfaction with shivering prophylaxis, quality of recovery (QoR), and the risk of steroid-related adverse effects.

METHODS

PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Central Registry of Trials, Google Scholar, and preprint servers were searched from inception until November 30, 2022. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published in the English language were retrieved, provided they reported on shivering either as a primary or secondary outcome following steroid prophylaxis in adult patients undergoing surgery under spinal or general anesthesia.

RESULTS

A total of 3148 patients from 25 RCTs were included in the final analysis. The steroids used in the studies were either dexamethasone or hydrocortisone. Dexamethasone was administered intravenously or intrathecally, while hydrocortisone was administered intravenously. Prophylactic administration of steroids reduced the risk of overall shivering (risk ratio [RR], 0.65 [95% confidence interval {CI}, 0.52-0.82]; P = .0002; I2 = 77%) as well as the risk of moderate to severe shivering (RR, 0.49 [95% CI, 0.34-0.71]; P = .0002; I2 = 61%) in comparison to controls. Administration of intravenous dexamethasone (RR, 0.67 [95% CI, 0.52-0.87]; P = .002; I2 = 78%) and hydrocortisone (RR, 0.51 [95% CI, 0.32-0.80]; P = .003; I2 = 58%) were effective in shivering prophylaxis. For intrathecal dexamethasone (RR, 0.84 [95% CI, 0.34-2.08]; P = .7; I2 = 56%), the null hypothesis of no subgroup difference was not rejected ( P = .47), preventing definitive conclusions about the efficacy of this route of administration. The prediction intervals for both overall shivering risk (0.24-1.70) and risk of severity of shivering (0.23-1.0) precluded generalization of results in future studies. Meta-regression analysis was used to further explore heterogeneity. Factors like the dose and timing of administration of steroids or the type of anesthesia were not found to be significant. Patient satisfaction and QoR were higher in the dexamethasone groups versus placebo. No increased risk of adverse events of steroids was noted versus placebo or controls.

CONCLUSIONS

Prophylactic steroid administration may be beneficial in reducing the risk of perioperative shivering. However, the quality of evidence in favor of steroids is very low. Further well-designed studies are needed for establishing generalization.

Comparing the Effects of Low Dose of Ketamine, Tramadol, and Ondansetron in Prevention of Post Spinal Anesthesia Shivering in Cesarean Section

Background

Shivering frequently occurs in cesarean section (CS) under spinal anesthesia (SA), resulting in several complications. To date, pethidine has been considered as the gold standard for post-SA shivering control, but it is contraindicated in breastfeeding women.

Methods

This randomized, double-blind study was conducted at Alzahra hospital in Guilan, Iran, From January 2019 to November 2020. A total of 508 eligible term parturient women were enrolled and randomly divided into four groups of low dose ketamine (K), tramadol (T), ondansetron (O), and placebo (P). The incidence and severity of shivering and patients' complications were recorded and compared among the groups.

Results

The patients were homogenous in terms of demographic variables. Shivering was witnessed in 68 (53.5%), 26 (20.5%), 75 (59.1%), and 82 (64.6%) patients in K, T, O, and P groups, respectively (P = 0.0001). Regarding shivering severity, there was a significant difference among the four groups (P = 0.0001). In addition, a significant difference was seen regarding Apgar scores at the first minute, but not at the fifth minute (P = 0.168).

Conclusions

Considering the high incidence of shivering in placebo group, prophylactic intervention in CS under SA seems to be necessary. Among the studied drugs, tramadol was the most effective one, followed by a low dose of ketamine and ondansetron.

The Impact of Optimal Dose of Ketamine on Shivering Following Elective Abdominal Hysterectomy: A Randomised Comparative Study

Background

Following surgery, patients frequently suffer from shivering, and this can lead to postoperative complications and discomfort.

Objectives

This study aimed to compare the effect of ketamine on patients’ shivering following an elective abdominal hysterectomy. Patients were given either Ketamine (0.25 mg or 0.5 mg/kg) or a placebo. The study and surgery took place in a subspecialty University Hospital for Gynecology and Obstetrics.

Methods

This study was an interventional, randomized, controlled clinical trial. Ninety-six women who underwent elective abdominal hysterectomy were randomly assigned to three groups. Ketamine was administered to all participants 20 min prior to the end of surgery. The first group received 0.25 mg/kg of intravenous ketamine. The second group received 0.5 mg/kg intravenous ketamine. The third group received a placebo of intravenous saline. Postoperative shivering, sedation grade, hallucination, nausea, vomiting, and nystagmus were measured for each patient up to 30 minutes.

Results

The study showed that patients suffered from less shivering in the two groups that received ketamine. The reduced shivering was seen 5, 10, and 20 min following surgery in the two groups that were given two doses of 0.25 and 0.5 mg/kg ketamine compared to the control group (P value < 0.05). There was a significant difference between patients receiving normal saline and those having 0.25 and 0.5 mg/kg of ketamine in the rate of sedation grade, nausea, vomiting, and nystagmus (P value < 0.05). The main differences in patients receiving ketamine were the sedation grade at zero time and postoperative hallucination experienced by those patients who received 0.5 mg/kg of ketamine.

Conclusions

Ketamine reduced shivering in all patients following elective abdominal hysterectomy. This was regardless of dose. Patients were less likely to suffer from hallucinations and sedation grade with a lower dose of ketamine (0.25 mg/kg compared to 0.50 mg/kg).

Prophylactic low dose ketamine infusion for prevention of shivering during spinal anesthesia: A randomized double blind clinical trial

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Regional anesthesia is known to produce perioperative hypothermia and shivering. We aimed to evaluate if prophylactic low dose ketamine bolus followed by infusion would prevent intraoperative and postoperative shivering under spinal anesthesia.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Sixty patients belonging to American Society of Anaesthesiologists (ASA) 1 and 2 undergoing abdominal and lower limb surgery were randomized to receive either 0.2 mg/kg iv of ketamine bolus followed by infusion 0.1 mg/kg/hr (Group K) or5 ml of saline followed by 0.1 ml/kg/hr solution (Group S) as an infusion throughout the period of surgery. The incidence of shivering was the primary outcome of the study with degree of sedation and the hemodynamic profile between the two groups being the secondary outcomes. Hemodynamics (Heart rate, Mean Blood Pressure and temperature), Grade of shivering and grade of sedation were assessed intraoperatively and for grade of shivering and sedation two hours postoperatively. Repeated measures Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was used to compare the hemodynamic variables and Chisquare test/Fisher's exact test to compare the grades of shivering and sedation between the two groups.

RESULTS

Intraoperative shivering was seen in eighteen patients in saline group (58.06%) and only with four patients (13.79%) with ketamine group (P < 0.001). Post operative shivering was also significantly less in ketamine group compared to saline (P = 0.01). Also, patients who received ketamine had significant sedation in the intraoperative period (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Prophylactic low dose ketamine administered as a small bolus followed by an infusion was effective in preventing both intraoperative and postoperative shivering.

Addition of dexmedetomidine, tramadol and neostigmine to lidocaine 1.5% increasing the duration of postoperative analgesia in the lower abdominal pain surgery among children: A double-blinded randomized clinical study

Pain is a common complication after surgery. Insufficient control of postoperative pain has adverse effects on the physiological, metabolic and psychological state of the child. The use of local analgesics and anesthetics alone cannot produce complete anesthesia and intraoperative comfort. The addition of adjuvant drugs is commonly used to improve the quality of the block. Therefore, adding new supplements may increase the duration of analgesia. The aim of this study was to compare the addition of dexmedetomidine, tramadol and neostigmine to lidocaine 1.5% in increasing the duration of postoperative analgesia in the lower abdominal pain surgery in children aged 2–8 years. This double-blind randomized clinical trial was conducted on children candidate for lower abdominal surgery. The 96 patients were randomly divided into 3 groups including dexmedetomidine, neostigmine, and tramadol. For all children, 3 mg of midazolam was administered orally before entering the operating room. The patients underwent general anesthesia with 2 μg/kg fentanyl, 0.03 mg/kg midazolam, 0.5 mg/kg atracurium and 5–6 mg/kg thiopental. After determining the hiatus membrane, 2 mL syringes containing air and distilled water (each of which 1 mL) slowly entered the space. After eliminating caudal resistance, 1.5% lidocaine was injected at dose of 0.5 mL/kg. A total of 96 patients were enrolled in this study. The results revealed that pain scores in the dexmedetomidine group in recovery, 2, 6 and 12 hours after surgery were less than the other two groups. Furthermore, the tramadol group showed a lower score in comparison with the neostigmine group and the duration of analgesia in the dexmedetomidine group was more than the other two groups. In addition, the mean of analgesic at 24 hours after operation in the dexmedetomidine group was lower as compared to the other two groups, indicating the effect of dexmedetomidine as an adjuvant in increasing the duration of analgesia and reducing postoperative pain in patients along with lidocaine 1.5%. All three drugs (neostigmine, tramadol and dexmedetomidine drugs), along with other local anesthetic, increased the duration of analgesia and decreased postoperative pain in children. The effect of dexmedetomidine was greater than the other two drugs. The study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Arak University of Medical Sciences, Iran (approved No. IR.ARAKMU.REC.1396.112) on October 28, 2017, and registered at Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (registration No. IRCT20141209020258N83) on August 29, 2018.

Control of Shivering During Targeted Temperature Management

Targeted temperature management (TTM) is used frequently in patients with a variety of diseases, especially those who have experienced brain injury and/or cardiac arrest. Shivering is one of the main adverse effects of TTM that can often limit its implementation and efficacy. Shivering is the body's natural response to hypothermia and its deleterious effects can negate the benefits of TTM. The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of TTM strategies and shivering management.

Efficacy and safety of prophylactic use of ketamine for prevention of postanesthetic shivering: a systematic review and meta analysis

Background

Postanesthetic shivering is a common complication of anesthesia, which accounts for much discomfort in postoperative patients and may increase postoperative complications in high-risk patients. Due to the lack of high-quality evidence, it is difficult to draw a conclusion about optimal anti-shivering medication. The main purpose of this meta-analysis was to analyze and evaluate the efficacy and safety of prophylactic use of ketamine for preventing postanesthetic shivering.

Methods

We searched the following databases: Medline, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trails for randomized controlled trials. The primary outcome observed was the difference of the incidence rate of postanesthetic shivering between ketamine group and placebo group. The secondary outcomes were the sedation score and incidence of the side effects caused by ketamine and any other drugs utilized in the studies.

Results

In this meta-analysis, we analyzed a total of 16 trials including 1485 patients. Ketamine reduced the incidence rate of postanesthetic shivering compared to a placebo (odds ratio [OR]: 0.13, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.06 to 0.26, P<0.01). Regarding side effects, there was no evident variability of the incidence of nausea and vomiting. Usage of ketamine was associated with a lower rate of hypotension and bradycardia when compared to a placebo. Hallucinations were more frequently observed in patients who received higher doses of ketamine. No significant difference was found in the incidence of postanesthetic shivering with ketamine versus other pharmacological interventions.

Conclusions

Ketamine can prevent postanesthetic shivering without severe side effects. However, ketamine shows no advantage over other anti-shivering drugs.

Shivering prevention and treatment during cesarean delivery under neuraxial anesthesia: a systematic review

INTRODUCTION

Perioperative shivering during cesarean sections (CSs) under neuraxial anesthesia (NA) is clinically common but often under-treated. It may prominently increase oxygen consumption, which can be catastrophic for parturients with ischemic cardiovascular disease. Thus, the prevention and treatment of shivering may be of great significance in parturients. The purpose of this systematic review was to investigate the effectiveness of several drugs on shivering prevention and treatment during CSs under NA.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

A literature search was carried out using PubMed, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library to identify relevant studies. After literature screening and information extraction, a systematic review was performed.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

Eighteen randomized controlled trials met the inclusion criteria. Intrathecal dexmedetomidine effectively reduced shivering, but effectiveness depended on the dose administered. Intrathecal fentanyl, intrathecal sufentanil, intrathecal meperidine, intravenous ketamine and intravenous tramadol were beneficial for reducing shivering during CSs under NA. MgSO4 administered intrathecally resulted in transient alleviation of shivering, and the effect did not persist. Two trials investigated the antishivering effect of intravenous ondansetron. The medication appeared to be effective in one trial, but ineffective in the other.

CONCLUSIONS

Appropriate use of dexmedetomidine, fentanyl, sufentanil, ketamine, meperidine, tramadol and MgSO4 may effectively reduce the incidence and severity of shivering during CSs under NA, while trials on the effect of intravenous ondansetron reached inconclusive results.

Addition of Neostigmine and Tramadol to 1.5 % Lidocaine for paracervical block to reduce post-operative pain in colporrhaphy

Pain is a complex and multi-faceted human perception and several factors could dampen the pain. Therefore, we aimed to comparison of addition of neostigmine and tramadol to 1.5 % lidocaine with paracervical block in reduce of post-operative pain in colporrhaphy. This study was a randomized and double-blind clinical trial for 108 patients’ as candidate for colporrhaphy. Patients were randomly divided in three groups (Neostigmine, tramadol and control).We recorded pain in 2 and 6 and 12 hours after surgery, duration of analgesia and mean of use narcotic drug in 24 hours after surgery for all patients. Mean of narcotic drug used in 24 hours after surgery in neostigmine group was more than tramadol group(p=0/01).Pain in 2 and 6 and 12 hours after surgery in neostigmine group was more than tramadol group (p=0/01). Duration of analgesia in tramadol group was over neostigmine group and also, it was in neostigmine group was more than placebo (p=0/01).Taken together, tramadol could reduce pain in 2 and 6 and 12 hours after surgery and mean of narcotic drug used in 24 hours after surgery and increase duration of analgesia.

Efficacy of intravenous tramadol and low-dose ketamine in the prevention of post-spinal anesthesia shivering following cesarean section: a double-blinded, randomized control trial

Background

Shivering is a frequent and undesirable complication of spinal anesthesia. It is a physiologic response to increase the body core temperature in an attempt to raise metabolic heat production. However, shivering may trigger myocardial ischemia; increase intraocular and intracranial pressures, increase wound pain, delay wound healing and interfere with pulse rate, blood pressure and electrocardiogram monitoring. We aimed to compare the efficacy of intravenous (IV) ketamine with IV tramadol for the prevention of shivering in patients who underwent cesarean delivery under spinal anesthesia.

Patients and methods

A prospective, randomized, double-blind study was conducted. One hundred and twenty-three American Society of Anesthesiologist I and II patients, aged between 18 and 39 years, who underwent cesarean section were included in the study. Patients were randomly allocated to one of three groups: group S (n=41; control group) received saline, group K (n=41) received ketamine 0.2 mg/kg and group T (n=41) received tramadol 0.5 mg/kg. Incidence and grade of shivering and side effects between the treatment groups were recorded.

Results

The incidence of shivering was significantly reduced in the ketamine and tramadol groups (41.5% and 53.7%, respectively) compared to the saline group (70.7%; p=0.028). Grade 3 shivering occurred in 16 (39%) patients in the saline group, compared to 9 (22%) in the tramadol group and 8 (19.5%) in the ketamine group (p=0.011). Only two cases in the saline group developed grade 4 shivering (p<0.01). Neonatal outcome and perioperative complications were comparable among the three groups.

Conclusion

The prophylactic administration of low-dose IV ketamine or IV tramadol is effective for reducing the incidence and intensity of shivering. We recommend low-dose IV ketamine or tramadol prophylaxis for parturients undergoing cesarean section under spinal anesthesia.

A comparison of prophylactic use of meperidine, meperidine plus dexamethasone, and ketamine plus midazolam for preventing of shivering during spinal anesthesia: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study

STUDY OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study is to compare the efficacy of combination of meperidine and dexamethasone with that of placebo, meperidine alone, and the combination of ketamine and midazolam in preventing shivering during spinal anesthesia.

DESIGN

This is a prospective, placebo-controlled study.

SETTING

The setting is at an operating room of a university-based teaching hospital.

PATIENTS

Two hundred American Society of Anesthesiologists I and II patients undergoing orthopedic and urologic surgery under spinal anesthesia were included.

INTERVENTIONS

Subarachnoid anesthesia was performed by using 15mg of 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine. Patients were randomly allocated to receive saline (placebo, group C), meperidine 0.4mg/kg (group Me), ketamine 0.25mg/kg plus midazolam 37.5μg/kg (group KMi), and meperidine 0.2mg/kg plus dexamethasone 0.1mg/kg (group MeD). All drugs were given as an intravenous bolus immediately after intrathecal injection.

MEASUREMENTS

During surgery and stay in the recovery room, shivering score, blood pressure, and some other adverse effects were recorded at 5-minute intervals. Axillary and tympanic temperatures were recorded at 15-minute intervals during the perioperative period.

MAIN RESULTS

The incidence of shivering after 30minutes of spinal anesthesia in groups C, Me, KMi, and MeD was 64%, 20%, 20%, and 4%, respectively, which was significantly higher in group C compared with other groups (P<.0001). Regarding adverse effects, there was no significant difference between groups (P≥.2). Axillary temperature significantly increased in the 15th-120th-minute interval in groups Me, KMi, and MeD (P<.0001) and in group MeD was higher than that in other groups. Core temperature decreased in the 15th-120th-minute interval in group MeD, lower than that in other groups (P<.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Prophylactic use of meperidine 0.2mg/kg plus dexamethasone 0.1mg/kg was more effective than meperidine 0.4mg/kg as a sole agent or the combination of ketamine 0.25mg/kg and midazolam 37.5μg/kg in preventing shivering resulting from spinal anesthesia.

Prevalence, associated factors and treatment of post spinal shivering in a Sub-Saharan tertiary hospital: a prospective observational study

Background

Surgery and anaesthesia cause shivering due to thermal dysregulation as a compensatory mechanism and is worsened by vasodilatation from spinal anaesthesia that redistributes core body heat. Due to paucity of data Mulago Hospital’s post spinal shivering burden is unknown yet it causes discomfort and morbidity.

Methods

Ethical approval was obtained to perform the study among consenting mothers due for elective caesarean section from March to May 2011. We recruited ASA class I & II parturients and excluded non-consenting or spinal contra-indication patients. A standard spinal anaesthetic of 2mls of 0.5 % bupivacaine was given, intraoperative vitals were recorded every 5 min and we monitored for perioperative shivering till PACU discharge.

Results

We recruited 270 patients with majority being emergency caesarean deliveries (90.74 %), mainly due to failed progress from cephalopelvic disproportion. We noted 8.15 % shivering occuring mostly at 20 min, with hypotension plus hypothermia as associated factors. Intravenous pethidine (Meperidine) 25 mg effectively treated shivering and we had drowsiness, nausea and vomiting as PACU side effects that resolved on discharge to the ward.

Conclusion

Post spinal shivering had a prevalence of 8.15 %, commonly occurred at 20 min postoperatively with hypotension plus hypothermia as main associated factors and intravenous Pethidine controlled it.

Prophylactic use of intravenous ondansetron versus ketamine - midazolam combination for prevention of shivering during spinal anesthesia: A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy intravenous (IV) ondansetron with ketamine plus midazolam for the prevention of shivering during spinal anesthesia (SA).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Ninety patients, aged 18-65 years, undergoing lower extremity orthopedic surgery were included in the present study. SA was performed in all patients with hyperbaric bupivacaine 15 mg. The patients were randomly allocated to receive normal saline (Group C), ondansetron 8 mg IV (Group O) or ketamine 0.25 mg/kg IV plus midazolam 37.5 μg/kg IV (Group KM) immediately after SA. During surgery, shivering scores were recorded at 5 min intervals. The operating room temperature was maintained at 24°C.

RESULTS

The incidences of shivering were 18 (60%) in Group C, 6 (20%) in Group KM and 8 (26.6%) in Group O. The difference between Groups O and Group KM with Group C was statistically significant (P < 0.05). No significant difference was noted between Groups KM with Group O in this regard (P > 0.05). Peripheral and core temperature changes throughout surgery were not significantly different among three groups (P > 0.05). Incidence (%) of hallucination was not significantly different between the three groups (0, 3.3, 0 in Group O, Group KM, Group C respectively, P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Prophylactic use of ondansetron 8 mg IV was comparable to ketamine 0.25 mg/kg IV plus midazolam 37.5 μg/kg IV in preventing shivering during SA.

Clinical utility of an undersized nurse-operated recovery room in the postoperative course: results from an Italian community setting

PURPOSE

In Europe, standardized criteria for recovery room (RR) requirements have not been established. The purpose of this study was to examine the clinical utility of an undersized nurse-operated RR in an Italian community hospital.

DESIGN

Single-center observational study.

METHODS

A total of 1,945 consecutive surgical patients admitted to the RR at the study institution between September 31, 2009, and August 31, 2011, were included in the study. A control group of surgical patients not admitted to the RR, matched for age, gender, American Society of Anesthesiologists score, and type of surgery were also considered. The prevalence of early adverse events occurring within 3 hours of the end of surgery was compared between the two groups.

FINDINGS

Patients admitted to the RR (mean age, 73.6 ± 14.2 years; 42.2% male; and 76.3% having major surgery) showed lower prevalences of hypotension (P < .0001), hypertensive response (P < .0001), new arrhythmias requiring intervention (P = .0036), and oxygen desaturation (P < .0001) in comparison with the control group. No differences in the proportions of patients experiencing postoperative nausea and vomiting, shivering, bleeding, and respiratory events were found. The Numeric Rating Scale for pain was also significantly lower at 2 hours in the study group as compared to the control group (1 [0 to 5] vs 3 [1 to 7]; P < .0001).

CONCLUSION

In this Italian community setting, an undersized nurse-operated RR contributed to a reduced prevalence of adverse postoperative events.

Confronting the challenges of effective pain management in children following tonsillectomy

Tonsillectomy is an extremely common surgical procedure associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The post-operative challenges include: respiratory complications, post-tonsillectomy hemorrhage, nausea, vomiting and significant pain. The present model of care demands that most of these children are managed in an ambulatory setting. The recent Federal Drug Agency (FDA) warning contraindicating the use of codeine after tonsillectomy in children represents a significant change of practice for many pediatric otolaryngological surgeons. This introduces a number of other safety concerns when deciding on a safe alternative to codeine, especially since most tonsillectomy patients are managed by lay primary caregiver's at home. This review outlines the safety issues and proposes, based on currently available evidence, a preventative multi-modal strategy to manage pain, nausea and vomiting without increasing the risk of post-tonsillectomy bleeding.

Combined Spinal Epidural Anaesthesia for Caesarean Section and Hysterectomy in a Parturient with Placenta Accreta

Placenta accreta complicates the anaesthetic and surgical approach in caesarean section. In this report, a parturient with placenta accreta and multiple drug allergies who was managed using combined spinal epidural anaesthesia for caesarean hysterectomy is discussed.

Incidence of shivering after cesarean section under spinal anesthesia with or without intrathecal sufentanil: a randomized study

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Shivering is a cause of discomfort and dissatisfaction in patients undergoing cesarean section. The objective of this study paper was to assess the impact of intrathecal administration of sufentanil on the incidence of shivering after cesarean section.

METHOD

In a prospective blinded, randomized clinical trial, pregnant women undergoing cesarean section under spinal anesthesia were enrolled. Pregnant women in labor, febrile, obese, with pregnancy-induced hypertension, anesthetic block failure or surgical complications were excluded. Patients were randomly assigned to two groups. In Group I, 10mg of 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine combined with 80 mcg of morphine and 2.5 mcg of sufentanil were administered. In Group II, 10mg of 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine combined with 80 mcg of morphine were administered. In the post-anesthesia care unit, patients were evaluated for signs of shivering by an investigator blinded to the patient's group allocation.

RESULTS

The sample consisted of 80 patients. In both groups there was a decrease in axillary temperature of patients after cesarean section (p<0.001). This decrease was not different between groups (p<0.21). In Group I, the incidence of tremor was 32.5% (13/40) and in Group II it was 62.5% (25/40) (p<0.007); RR 0.53 (CI 95% 0.32-0.87).

CONCLUSIONS

It has been suggested that the addition of sufentanil to hyperbaric bupivacaine and morphine during spinal anesthesia for cesarean section provides a decrease in the incidence of shivering in the immediate postoperative period.

Prophylactic ketamine to prevent shivering in parturients undergoing Cesarean delivery during spinal anesthesia

STUDY OBJECTIVE

To compare the efficacy and safety of ketamine 0.25 mg/kg with ketamine 0.5 mg/kg to prevent shivering in patients undergoing Cesarean delivery.

DESIGN

Prospective, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study.

SETTING

Operating rooms and postoperative recovery rooms.

PATIENTS

120 ASA physical status 1 and 2 pregnant women scheduled for Cesarean delivery during spinal anesthesia.

MEASUREMENTS

Patient characteristics, anesthetic and surgical details, Apgar scores at 1 and 5 minutes, and side effects of the study drugs were recorded. Heart rate, mean arterial pressure, oxygen saturation via pulse oximetry, tympanic temperature, severity of shivering, and degree of sedation were recorded before intrathecal injection and thereafter every 5 minutes. Patients were randomized to three groups: saline (Group C, n=30), intravenous (IV) ketamine 0.25 mg/kg (Group K-0.25, n=30), or IV ketamine 0.5 mg/kg (Group K-0.5, n=30). Grade 3 or 4 shivering was treated with IV meperidine 25 mg and the prophylaxis was regarded as ineffective.

MAIN RESULTS

The number of shivering patients was significantly less in Group K-0.25 and in Group K-0.5 than in Group C (P = 0.001, P = 0.001, respectively). The tympanic temperature values of Group C were lower at all times of the study than in either ketamine group. Median sedation scores of Group K-0.5 were significantly higher than in Group K-0.25 or Group C at 10, 20, 30, and 40 minutes after spinal anesthesia.

CONCLUSIONS

Prophylactic IV ketamine 0.25 mg/kg was as effective as IV ketamine 0.5 mg/kg in preventing shivering in patients undergoing Cesarean section during spinal anesthesia.

Effect of electroacupuncture in postanesthetic shivering during regional anesthesia: a randomized controlled trial

Background

Shivering during regional anesthesia is a common complication and is related to a decrease in the patient’s core body temperature. Previous studies have shown that acupuncture on specific acupoints can preserve core body temperature. The present study evaluated the effect of electroacupuncture in preventing the shivering caused by regional anesthesia.

Methods

This prospective and randomized controlled study analyzed the data from 80 patients undergoing urological surgery, who were classified as ASA I or II. Spinal anesthesia was performed in all patients using 15 mg of bupivacaine. The patients were randomly allocated to receive either placebo acupuncture (Group P, n = 40) or electroacupuncture (Group A, n = 40) for 30 min before administration of spinal anesthesia. Shivering score was recorded at 5 min intervals, with 0 representing no shivering and 4 representing the most severe shivering possible. Heart rate, blood pressure, and tympanic temperature were recorded before the intrathecal injection, and again every 5 min thereafter until 30 min.

Results

After spinal anesthesia, the decrease in tympanic temperature was less for Group A patients than Group P, with the difference being statistically significant. After 15 min, 13 patients in Group P attained a shivering score of 3 or more, compared with 3 patients in Group A. Significantly more patients in Group P attained a shivering score of at least 1.

Conclusions

The prophylactic use of electroacupuncture might maintain core body temperature, and may effectively prevent the shivering that commonly develops during regional anesthesia.

Trial registration

Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12612000096853.

Remifentanil used as adjuvant in general anesthesia for spinal fusion does not exhibit acute opioid tolerance

Background

Although acute tolerance to opioids, especially to remifentanil, has been demonstrated consistently in animal studies, the results of clinical trials in humans are controversial. The aim of this study was to determine whether intraoperative infusions of remifentanil used as an adjuvant in general anesthesia result in acute tolerance, an event manifested by increased postoperative pain and a higher opioid requirement than usual.

Methods

Sixty patients who underwent surgery under general anesthesia for spinal fusion were randomly assigned to receive sevoflurane-nitrous oxide-oxygen (group SO, n = 20), sevoflurane-remifentanil-nitrous oxide-oxygen (group SR, n = 20), or propofol-remifentanil-oxygen (group PR, n = 20) in a double-blinded manner. All patients within 1 hour after induction received PCA (fentanyl 0.4 µg/kg/ml and ondansetron 16 mg) administered intravenously at a basal infusion rate of 1 ml/h, after being intravenously injected with a loading dose of fentanyl (1 µg/kg). Data for fentanyl requirement, verbal Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) pain score at rest, and presence of nausea or vomiting were collected at 1, 24, and 48 hours after surgery.

Results

We did not find any significant difference in postoperative PCA fentanyl requirements, NRS or side effects among the groups.

Conclusions

Remifentanil as an adjuvant to sevoflurane or propofol in general anesthesia for adults having surgery for spinal fusion does not appear to cause acute opioid tolerance or hyperalgesia in patients. However, further studies are needed to elucidate whether sevoflurane and propofol exert a clinically significant effect on opioid-induced tolerance or hyperalgesia and whether this effect is related to the age of the patient, the dose and duration of remifentanil given and the intensity of pain experienced postoperatively.

Effect of preoperative warming during cesarean section under spinal anesthesia

Background

Postoperative hypothermia and shivering is a frequent event in patients during cesarean section under spinal anesthesia. We assessed the effect of preoperative warming during cesarean delivery under spinal anesthesia for prevention of hypothermia and shivering.

Methods

Forty five patients undergoing elective cesarean section were randomly assigned to three groups. Group F received warmed intravenous fluid (40℃). Group A patients were actively warmed by forced air-warming. Group C was the control group. Forced air-warming and warmed fluid was maintained for the 15 min preceding spinal anesthesia. Core temperature (tympanic membrane) and the skin temperature of arm and thigh were measured and shivering was graded simultaneously.

Results

The core temperature at 45 min decreased less in Groups F and A than Group C (-0.5℃ ± 0.3℃ vs -0.6℃ ± 0.4℃ vs -0.9℃ ± 0.4℃, respectively; P = 0.004). The arm temperature at 15 min and 30 min exhibited a greater increase in Group A than Group F and Group C (P = 0.001 and P = 0.012, respectively). Leg temperature increased similarly among the three groups. The incidence of shivering was significantly less in Group A and Group F than Group C (20%, 13.3%, and 53.3%, respectively; P = 0.035).

Conclusions

Preoperative forced air-warming and warmed fluid prevents hypothermia and shivering in patients undergoing elective cesarean delivery with spinal anesthesia.

An intraoperative small dose of ketamine prevents remifentanil-induced postanesthetic shivering

Patients undergoing gynecological laparotomy were randomized to receive either 0.5 mg/kg ketamine at induction of anesthesia followed by an infusion of 0.3 mg/kg/h until the end of surgery (ketamine group, n = 32), or an equivalent volume of normal saline (control group, n = 32). Anesthesia was maintained with IV propofol, a fixed infusion rate of remifentanil (0.25 μg/kg/min), and epidural ropivacaine. Postanesthetic shivering (PAS) was evaluated for 30 minutes after emergence. Intraoperative temperatures were similar between the 2 groups. The incidence of PAS was less frequent in the ketamine group (n = 2, 6%) compared with the control group (n = 12, 38%, P = 0.005). We conclude that, during the early recovery phase, intraoperative ketamine reduces remifentanil-induced PAS.

The Efficacy of Epidural Ketamine on Shivering during Transurethral Resection of the Prostate under Epidural Anesthesia

PURPOSE

Ketamine may decrease core-to-peripheral redistribution of heat through direct central sympathetic stimulation and inhibition of norepinephrine uptake into postganglionic sympathetic nerve endings. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of epidural ketamine in preventing shivering during transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) under epidural anesthesia.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Ninety-three male patients scheduled for TURP under epidural anesthesia were enrolled in this study. Patients were randomized into one of three groups. Group 1 consisted of 31 patients who received epidural 0.75% ropivacaine, group 2 consisted of 32 patients who received epidural ketamine (0.2 mg/kg) in addition to 0.75% ropivacaine, and group 3 consisted of 30 patients who received epidural ketamine (0.4 mg/kg) in addition to 0.75% ropivacaine. Shivering and side effects such as hypotension, bradycardia, nausea, and hallucination were recorded during the anesthesia and for 2 hours while in the postanesthetic recovery room.

RESULTS

Shivering was statistically more frequent in group 1 than in the other groups. The incidence of sedation was significantly higher in group 3 than in the other groups. The incidences of side effects such as hypotension, bradycardia, and nausea were significantly higher in group 1 than in the other groups.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, epidural ketamine 0.2 mg/kg and 0.4 mg/kg was shown to have a lower incidence of shivering and other side effects except sedation. In patients who undergo TURP under epidural anesthesia, the prophylactic use of low-dose epidural ketamine would be helpful in preventing any adverse effects, including shivering.