Efficacy of Pethidine and Dexamethasone Combination in Managing Postoperative Shivering (Cesarean) Section

Background: Postoperative shivering is a common complication after the spinal anesthesia particularly in the cesarean section patients. Effective management strategies, including the use of Pethidine and Dexamethasone, have been explored to reduce shivering. Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of the combination of pethidine and dexamethasone in controlling postoperative shivering in patients undergoing cesarean section under spinal anesthesia. Methodology: A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 100 patients undergoing cesarean section, assigned to either Pethidine or Pethidine + Dexamethasone groups. Shivering severity, duration, recurrence, and complications were assessed postoperatively. Results: The combination therapy of Pethidine + Dexamethasone significantly reduced shivering severity (mean = 0.56), duration (mean = 1.74 minutes), and recurrence (14.0%) compared to Pethidine alone (severity mean = 1.91, duration mean = 5.25 minutes, recurrence 43.9%). The combination group also had fewer complications (18.6%). Conclusion: Pethidine combined with Dexamethasone is more effective and safer than Pethidine alone in managing postoperative shivering in cesarean section patients under spinal anesthesia.