[Efficacy of ketanserin on postanesthetic shivering].
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the clinical and electromyographic (EMG) effects of ketanserin (K), a serotoninergic receptor antagonist (5-HT2), on postoperative shivering (POS).


METHODS
Prospective, randomised, double-blind study.


METHODS
Fifty ASA class 1 and 2 patients with major clinical postoperative tremor were studied.


METHODS
POS was assessed clinically (0 = nil, 1 = moderate, 2 = severe). Inclusion criterion was a POS of 2 at admission in the recovery room. The mean arterial blood pressure, rectal temperature, SpO2 were recorded at admission (T0) and subsequently at T5, T10, T15, T30 and T60 minutes. Either 10 mg of K (n = 25) or a corresponding volume of a placebo (P) (n = 25) were intravenously injected. The EMG activity of the deltoid and quadriceps muscles was recorded continuously. Blood lactic acid concentration was measured at the end of POS. Results are expressed as mean +/- SEM. Parametric values were analysed with unpaired Student's t-test, and nonparametric values with chi 2 analysis. P < 0.05 was accepted.


RESULTS
Demographic data, duration of anaesthesia, postoperative temperature, oxygen saturation, blood pressure and blood lactate concentration were similar between groups. The POS duration in the K group was significantly shorter than in the P group: 8.8 +/- 1.5 min and 15.5 +/- 1.5 min respectively (P < 0.01). The number of patients in the K group experiencing POS at T5 and T10 was significantly lower, when compared with those who had received the P (P < 0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
At a dose of 10 mg, K administered in patients with POS during recovery, reduced significantly the duration and intensity of the shivering without noticeable side effects. This study suggests that this 5-HT2 antagonist is an efficient therapeutic tool for POS in adults.
Service d'anesthésiologie, centre hospitalier universitaire Vaudois, Lausanne.
D
D
Crisinel
B
B
Bissonnette
F
F
Feihl
J P
JP
Gardaz
D000328:Adult; D000762:Anesthesia Recovery Period; D004576:Electromyography; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007650:Ketanserin / Q000494:pharmacology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012702:Serotonin Antagonists / Q000494:pharmacology*; D012768:Shivering / Q000187:drug effects*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D012702:Serotonin Antagonists; D007650:Ketanserin