Effect of Dexamethasone Before Induction of Anesthesia On Postoperative Shivering

Abstract Shivering after surgery is common and followed by many problems. Therefore prevention of shivering is important specially in elderly and Ischemic Heart Disease patients. The etiology of shivering is unknown, although is thought intraoperative hypothermia is a major causative factor. Another possible etiology is fever and chills secondary to activation of the inflammatory responses and release of Cytokinas by trauma of surgery. Dexamethasone decreases the gradient between core and skin temperature and modifies the inflammatory responses. The goal of this study was to determine the reduction of the incidence of postoperative shivering with Dexamethasone. This study was a clinical trial, randomized, double – blind and placebo-controlled that was done on 250 patients between 20-60 years old (female and male) and ASA class I and II. Patients scheduled for elective surgery were randomly assigned to receive either Dexamethasone 0.25 mg/kg or placebo before induction of anesthesia. All of patients received standard monitoring and the same anesthetic management. In the post anesthetic care unit (PACU) shivering and patient, temperature recorded for an hour. Compared with placebo, Dexamethasone decreased the incidence of shivering (40%vs 16.7%, P<0.001) In conclusion Dexamethasone is effective in decreasing the incidence of postoperative shivering. The effectiveness of Dexamethasone is independent of duration of surgery.