A RANDOMIZED DOUBLE-BLIND COMPARATIVE STUDY OF TWO DIFFERENT DOSES OF INTRAVENOUS DEXMEDETOMIDINE ON POST-SPINAL ANAESTHESIA SHIVERING

Abstract

Background: Shivering is a common post-anaesthesia adverse event with multiple etiologies.
The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of two different dosages of dexmedetomidine in the treatment of post‑spinal anaesthesia (SA) shivering as well as to compare their side‑effect profile.
Materials and Methods: This prospective, double‑blind, randomized controlled trial was
conducted in the department of anaesthesia, Vinayaka Mission Medical College and Hospital,
Karaikal. A total of 100 patients having shivering after SA were enrolled, out of which 50 received dexmedetomidine 0.5 mcg/kg (Group A) and 50 received dexmedetomidine 1 mcg/kg
(Group B). The response rate, time to cessation of shivering and side effects (if any) were
noted. All the results were analyzed using Student’s t‑test and Chi‑square test.
Results: All patients who received both the dosages of dexmedetomidine had cessation of
shivering. The time to cessation of shivering was significantly less with dexmedetomidine 1
mcg/kg (168 ± 23.3 s) than with dexmedetomidine 0.5 mcg/kg (174±14.5s) (P=0024). The
recurrence rate of shivering with dexmedetomidine 1 mcg/kg was less as compared to
dexmedetomidine 0.5mcg/kg. Nausea and vomiting were found to be higher in the group of
dexmedetomidine 1 mcg/kg. On the other hand, dexmedetomidine 0.5 mcg/kg caused moderate sedation (modified Ramsay sedation score = 3 – 4) from which the patient could be easily waken up.
Conclusion: Dexmedetomidine 0.5 mcg/kg offers better results than dexmedetomidine 1 mcg/kg with fewer side effects.