Prevalence of shivering lower with intrathecal bupivacaine with fentanyl compared to bupivacaine alone in patients undergoing cesarean

The human body has a core temperature that typically falls between the range of 36.5°C to 37.5°C. The core temperature is regulated by the autonomic nervous system via the implementation of behavioral and physiological modifications. The administration of spinal anesthetic has been shown to have negative effects on vasoconstriction below the blocked segments, as well as on the transfer of body heat from the central to peripheral regions. This might result in intraoperative core hypothermia. The present research aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of incorporating a low dosage of fentanyl intrathecally (12.5 μg) in mitigating the incidence of intraoperative shivering and hypothermia, while also documenting any noteworthy adverse effects within this specific group of patients.

The present study included a sample of 148 individuals who had cesarean section while under spinal anesthesia, using a randomized controlled trial design. A total of 148 patients were included in the study, with 74 patients receiving spinal anesthetic using 1.8 mL of hyperbaric bupivacaine (0.5%), while the other 74 patients were provided 12.5 μg of intrathecal fentanyl along with 1.8 mL of hyperbaric bupivacaine. A comparison was conducted between the two groups to determine the occurrence of shivering, as well as the changes in nasopharyngeal and peripheral temperature. Additionally, the temperature at the commencement of shivering and the severity of shivering were also assessed.