Arun Kumar Ajjappa1, M. Lingaraj2
BACKGROUND Perioperative shivering, in patients undergoing surgery under central neuraxial blockade is a common complication. Prophylactic measures to reduce shivering are quintessential to decrease the morbidity and mortality.
AIMS
This randomised prospective study seeks to compare the efficacy of oral clonidine and tramadol, as premedication, in prevention of shivering in patients undergoing surgery under spinal anaesthesia.
METHODS AND MATERIAL
The patients were randomly allocated into two groups (50 patients each). Group C received oral clonidine 100 μg; Group T received oral tramadol 50 mg. Number of patients having shivering, their grades and duration, hemodynamic changes were recorded.
STATISTICAL ANALYSIS
Data were analysed using appropriate statistical software, Student’s t-test when appropriate
RESULTS In group I and II, 39 patients (78%) and 28 patients (56%) did not shiver, respectively. No drug showed any statistically significant advantage over the other.
CONCLUSION
Oral clonidine and tramadol were comparable in respect to their effect in decreasing the incidence, intensity and duration of shivering when used prophylactically in patients who underwent surgery under subarachnoid blockade.
