Comparison of Ondansetron and Meperidine for Prevention of Shivering in Patients Undergoing Spinal Anesthesia

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Perioperative hypothermia is a common problem in anesthesia practice. Regional anesthesia, like general anesthesia, influences the thermoregulatory process. The aim of our study was to compare the efficacy of ondansetron and meperidine in the prevention of shivering during and after spinal anesthesia. Methods: In this double-blind study, 75 patients were randomized into 3 groups. Group O and Group M were given ondansetron 8 mg and meperidine 0.4 mg/kg intravenously immediately before spinal anesthesia, respectively. Group C received saline at identical times. The core temperatures and the incidence of shivering were recorded. Association between maximum block height and mean rectal temperatures of the patients were also evaluated. Results: The core temperature was preserved in both ondansetron and meperidine groups with respect to the control group. Shivering was observed in 8% of patients in groups O and M and 36% in group C. The correlation between maximum block height and mean rectal temperatures was lost in the ondansetron and meperidine groups. Conclusion: Ondansetron and meperidine have similar antishivering effects. In addition, both ondansetron and meperidine altered the correlation between the core temperature and block level during spinal anesthesia. © 2006 by the American Society of Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine.