Intrathecal Meperidine Plus Lidocaine for Prevention of Shivering during Cesarean Section

BACKGROUND Shivering related to spinal anesthesia may interfere with monitoring and is uncomfortable. The aim of the present study was to investigate low-dose intrathecal meperidine for the prevention of shivering after induction of spinal anesthesia in parturients with cesarean section. METHODS This was a prospective randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial including 100 parturients, of American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status I or II, scheduled for elective cesarean section under spinal anesthesia who were randomly assigned to a meperidine (0.2 mg/kg) plus hyperbaric lidocaine (5%, 75 mg, n = 50; group M) group or a placebo plus hyperbaric lidocaine (5%, 75 mg, n = 50; group L) group. Demographic and surgical data, adverse events, and the mean intensity for each parturient were assessed during the entire study period by a blinded observer. RESULTS There were no significant differences between the two study groups regarding the demographic and surgical data (P > 0.05). The incidence of shivering during the entire study period significantly decreased in the group of parturients who received intrathecal meperidine (P = 0.04). There were no significant differences in nausea and vomiting between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS Low-dose intrathecal meperidine (10 mg) is safe and effective in reducing the incidence and severity of shivering associated with spinal anesthesia in parturients with cesarean section.