Temperature changes and shivering after epidural anesthesia for cesarean section

Abstract

Changes in bladder, tympanic membrane, and skin temperature were monitored in two groups of parturients after they received epidural anesthesia for elective Cesarean sections. Group 2 patients (n = 21) received warm intravenous crystalloid and prep solutions as well as extra body covering, whereas Group 1 patients (n = 19) did not. The drop in bladder temperature over the course of the procedure was significantly greater in Group 1 patients (1.0 +/- .02 degrees C vs. 0.6 +/- 0.01 degrees C, SEM p less than 0.05). The incidence of shivering was similar in both groups (52% vs. 68%, x2 = 0.42). The peak onset of shivering occurred within 10 minutes of epidural anesthesia and preceded any significant decline in core temperature. However, a positive correlation was noted between shivering and bladder temperature decline over the full course of Cesarean section.