Risk Factors for Shivering During Caesarean Section Under Spinal Anaesthesia: An Observational Study

Shivering is an unpleasant, thoroughly discomforting, and frequent complication after spinal anaesthesia with many grades i.e. from a mild form of having skin eruptions to a severe form with generalized continuous skeletal muscle contractions which can interfere with the monitoring of electrocardiograms, blood pressure (BP), and oxygen saturation. Shivering increases oxygen consumption, lactic acidosis, and carbon dioxide production, decreases patient satisfaction and increases discomfort. Cesarean section is commonly performed under subarachnoid block because of various advantages such as lesser maternal morbidity and mortality, least neonatal exposure to anesthetic drugs, and early maternal and neonatal bonding. The problem is important as it has implications, particularly in the clinical settings of obstetric anaesthesia. In addition to causing an unpleasant feeling and interfering with clinical monitoring, shivering can also increase oxygen consumption by up to 300% and may be associated with a higher risk of surgical site bleeding, cardiac events, wound infections, etc. All of these may result in adverse outcomes for both the mother and fetus. A study focusing on various risk factors for shivering during caesarean sections can help to ameliorate this problem and can lead to advancements in anesthesia practice. Anesthesia management techniques may be refined or modified based on the findings of such research. By optimizing anesthesia protocols, healthcare providers can enhance patient comfort, reduce complications, and improve postoperative recovery.The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between potential risk factors and the incidence of intraoperative shivering during caesarean section under spinal anaesthesia.