Abstract
Objective
To examine the efficacy of the alpha 2 agonist, Dexmedetomidine in prevention of postoperative shivering.
Methods
Seventy ASA І-II patients were included in this randomized-prospective double blinded study. They were allocated into two groups to receive either Dexmedetomidine as a loading dose of 1 ug/ kg for 10 min or normal saline 20 minutes before the end of the surgery. Shivering and sedation were assessed postoperatively.
Results
Demographic data were similar in both groups. Incidence of shivering was found to be significantly less in Dexmedetomidine group; 4 (12%) patients had some degree of shivering in comparisons to 16 (48%) in saline group (P<0.05). Sedation was significantly more in Dexmedetomidine group (P<0.05).
Conclusion
Prophylactic low-dose Dexmedetomidine was found to be effective in preventing postoperative shivering. (Rawal Med J 2011;36:274-276).
Key words: Anesthetic complications, dexmedetomidine, shivering
