Dexmedetomidine After Cesarean for the Treatment of Nausea and Shivering

This study is a randomized, placebo controlled, double blind evaluation of the use of a single dose of dexmedetomidine for the prevention of shivering and nausea after cesarean delivery. It is hypothesized that patients who receive dexmedetomidine (as compared to placebo) will have a reduced severity of postoperative shivering and nausea.

Study subjects will be have a scheduled cesarean section. They will receive written, informed consent obtained before surgery. After enrollment, patients will receive spinal anesthesia consisting of 11.25mg bupivacaine, 25 mcg of fentanyl, and 250 mcg of morphine. All IV fluid will be warmed.

After delivery of the neonate, delivery of the placenta, and assurance of adequate uterine tone, patients will be randomized in a 1:1 fashion to receive a blinded study syringe consisting of either placebo saline, or 10 mcg of dexmedetomidine.

Study outcomes will be measured on an 11-point Likert scale assessing shivering, nausea, pain, pruritus, and sedation. Assessments will be performed on admission to the recovery room, and at 30 and 60 minutes.

Inclusion criteria

• Elective cesarean delivery
• ≥ 18 years of age
• Singleton pregnancy
• Term delivery (37 weeks or greater gestation)
• Spinal or combined spinal-epidural anesthesia is planned

Exclusion criteria

• Non-elective cesarean delivery
• Receiving misoprostil or carboprost
• Postpartum hemorrhage greater that 1000cc
• Chronic opioid use
• History of chronic nausea or itching in pregnancy
• Receiving medications for nausea
• Inability to provide written informed consent
• Receiving of any of the following medications intraoperatively: misoprostil, carboprost, medications for nausea
• Postpartum hemorrhage greater that 1000cc