IV clonidine for post-extradural shivering in parturients: a preliminary study

Area of Science:

• Anesthesiology
• Obstetrics
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Post-extradural shivering is a common complication in parturients.
• Effective and safe treatments for post-extradural shivering are needed.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of intravenous clonidine in suppressing post-extradural shivering in parturients.
• To assess the safety of intravenous clonidine for this indication.

Main Methods:

• A randomized, placebo-controlled study was conducted with 40 healthy parturients experiencing post-extradural shivering.
• Patients received either intravenous clonidine (30 mcg boluses up to 90 mcg) or saline placebo, with a crossover design.
• Hemodynamic parameters, temperature, and oxygen saturation were monitored.

Main Results:

• All patients who received clonidine showed improvement in shivering.
• 75% of patients receiving clonidine ceased shivering within 5 minutes of a single 30 mcg dose.
• No significant differences in vital signs or oxygen saturation were observed between groups.

Conclusions:

• Intravenous clonidine is an effective and safe treatment for post-extradural shivering in parturients.
• A low dose of intravenous clonidine can rapidly suppress shivering without adverse physiological effects.