THE EFFECTIVENESS OF DEXAMETHASONE ON PREVENTION OF POSTOPERATIVE SHIVERING AFTER GENERAL ANESTHESIA.

Shivering is a common problem after general anesthesia. This condition increases the oxygen consumption. Therefore prevention of shivering is important particularly in elderly and patients with ischemic heart disease. Dexamethasone decreases the gradient between core and skin temperature and modifies the inflammatory response. The goal of this study was to determine the efficacy of dexamethasone on postoperative shivering.

Materials & Methods : In a prospective double–blind clinical trial 100 ASA I and II patients aged 20-50yr scheduled for elective cholecyctectomy under general anesthesia were randomly assigned to receive either dexamethasone 0.15 mg/ kg or placebo after induction of anesthesia. All patients received same medication and standard monitoring during maintenance of anesthesia. Rates of shivering analysis were preformed by using Chi Square tests.

Results : The incidence of shivering was significantly lower in dexamethasone group than placebo group. (18.7% vs. 36% and p=0.009). There was no significantly difference regarding severity of shivering among two groups.

Conclusion : Dexamethasone is an effective drug for prevention of postoperative shivering and its use is recommended.