Effect of Alfentanil on postoperative shivering after Cataract surgeries: a randomised, double-blind clinical trial

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Postoperative shivering is one of the most common complications in patients recovering from general anaesthesia. Although a variety of pharmacological therapies have been used to control postoperative shivering, no ideal drug has been found to date. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy and accompanying side-effects of Alfentanil and comparing that with the conventional ant shivering drug: pethidine for the prevention of postoperative shivering. DESIGN: A randomised, double-blind clinical study. Material and Methods: One hundred and thirty five adult patients, ASA 2 or 3, aged 65 years or older are scheduled for elective Cataract surgery under general anaesthesia. The patients were allocated randomly to receive Alfentanil 500 micrograms (Group A, n = 45), Pethidine 25 mg (Group P, n = 45) or Normal Saline (Group S, n = 45) 20 min before the end of surgery. The primary outcome was measured with the incidence and severity of postoperative shivering. Results: The groups differ significantly regarding occurrence and severity of shivering. Both opioids were effective in prevention of postoperative shivering but not in a similar extent. Conclusion: We conclude that Alfentanil 500 micrograms was effective in the prevention of post-anaesthetic shivering after general anaesthesia without significant side effects but it is not as effective as Pethidine.