Comparative evaluation of oral tramadol and gabapentin for prophylaxis of post-spinal shivering

Shivering in the peri-operative period is a common problem which is associated with various complications. Prophylaxis of shivering can thus help in reducing the cost and risk of complications. The present study was designed to compare prophylactic oral gabapentin, tramadol and placebo for prevention of post-spinal shivering.

A total of 150 adult patients of either sex belonging to American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I-III scheduled for elective orthopaedic surgeries were randomised to receive tramadol 100 mg (group A), gabapentin 600 mg (group B) or placebo (group C) orally 30 min before administration of spinal anaesthesia. The primary outcome was to study the incidence and severity of shivering,whereas the secondary outcome was to evaluate the incidence of adverse effects. Data were analysed by analysis of variance test, Student t-test, Mann-Whitney U test and Chi-square tests.

Incidence of shivering was comparable among groups A and B (P = 0.8) whereas it was significantly less than in group C (P = 0.00). Severity of shivering (grade 1 and 2) was comparable in all the groups (P = 0.6 and 0.36), whereas shivering grade 3 and grade 4 was significantly lesser in groups A and B as compared to group C (P = 0.01 and 0.01). The incidence of nausea and vomiting was more in group A (26%) as compared to group B (20%) (P = 0.48) but was significantly lesser than group C (48%) (P = 0.01). Incidence of sedation (sedation score ≥2) was significantly more in group B (22%) as compared to group A (4%) and group C (0%).

Prophylactic oral gabapentin 600 mg and tramadol 100 mg are equally effective for prevention of post-spinal shivering.