The Effect of Prophylactic Steroids on Shivering in Adults Undergoing Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Abstract

(Anesth Analg. 2023;137(2):332–344) Shivering is a common side effect to numerous things, such as hypothermia and often anesthetic drugs. Shivering is often an involuntary contraction of the skeletal muscles. It is often unwarranted and during surgery or delivery a patient can shiver due to general anesthetic drugs. Up to 65% of patients shiver when given general anesthetics and up to 60% also have it with spinal anesthesia. Certain nonpharmacological interventions have been attempted to decrease shivering for patients. Corticosteroids and anti-inflammatories may be given to help constrict the shivering effect of an anesthetic. To assess patients and decrease the risk of shivering for those undergoing surgery, additional studies have been made in using these types of drugs and research in randomized trials in perioperative shivering.