Background
One of the most common problems in parturients receiving regional anesthesia during cesarean section is shivering. It usually interferes with the readings of the oxygen plethysmography (SpO) and electrocardiogram (ECG). It expands the needs for oxygen and increases creation of carbon dioxide about four folds.
Results
Study included 60 obstetric patients who fulfilled all the inclusion criteria and were randomized into 2 equal groups, each consisting of 30 patients, namely group A (dexmedetomidine group) and B (dexamethasone group).
Conclusion
We concluded that both drugs can be added safely to bupivacaine, and both dexmedetomidine and dexamethasone decreased the incidence and the intensity of shivering. Dexamethasone was found to prolong the duration of sensory block and delay opioid requirements post-operatively, while dexmedetomidine is more effective in sedating the patients intra- and postoperatively.