The Effect of Oral Pregabalin on Epidural-Induced Shivering and Epidural Characteristics in Gynecological Surgeries, a Prospective Randomized Double-Blind Study

Purpose: The previous reports tried to reduce shivering and improve neuraxial anesthesia characteristics by the systemic use of different drugs. This study was directed to evaluate the effect of pregabalin premedication on both shivering and epidural characteristics following single shot loading. Patients and Methods: Eighty female patients, ASA grade I and II, scheduled for gynecological surgeries under epidural anesthesia were studied. The patients were divided into two groups: Pregabalin (P) group and Control (C) group in which the patients received 150 mg of pregabalin and placebo capsules respectively sixty minutes prior to surgery. Following epidural loading, the onset and degree of shivering were compared between the two groups. Also, the epidural onset, level and duration were compared. The perioperative hemodynamics, sedation scores, meperidine consumption and side effects were followed up and registered. Results: The onset of shivering was significantly prolonged and the degree of shivering was less in pregabalin group compared to Control group. The duration of epidural shot was shorter in the control group in relation to the pregabalin treated patients. Regarding both onset and level of block, no significant changes were detected. The patients were more sedated with less meperidine consumption in the pregabalin group. The two groups were similar as regards the perioperative hemodynamics and occurrence of side effect. Conclusion: The premedication with pregabalin reduced onset and degree of shivering and prolonged the duration of single shot epidural block.