ABSTRACT
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.