EFFICACY OF INTRATHECAL FENTANYL FOR PREVENTION OF SHIVERING IN LOWER SEGMENT CAESAREAN SECTION UNDER SPINAL ANAESTHESIA

Objective: To determine the efficacy of intrathecal fentanyl in prevention of shivering in lower segment caesarean section under spinal anaesthesia. Study Design: Quasi experimental study. Place and Duration of Study: It was conducted in Anesthesiology department, Pak Emirates Military Hospital, Rawalpindi, from Feb 2018 to Mar 2018. Methodology: A total of 60 patients were included in the study, and divided in two groups of 30 each. They were preloaded with Ringer’s lactate solution (10ml/kg). Fentanyl group (group F) was given 2.5 ml of 0.5% Bupivacine and 25μg (0.5 ml) of fentanyl, whereas group S received 0.5 ml of normal saline along with 2.5 ml of 0.5% bupivacaine. Shivering was observed in both groups for 2 hours. Results: There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in regards to average age, weight, height, body mass index, oral temperature. Shivering was observed in 5 patients in group A, and 16 patients in group B. Difference between groups was statistically significant (p=0.003). Conclusion: Intrathecal fentanyl is effective in prevention of shivering in decreasing frequency of shivering in patients undergoing lower segment caesarean section under spinal anaesthesia.