Perioperative administration of dexamethasone to prevent postoperative shivering: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

ObjectiveTo evaluate the perioperative administration of dexamethasone to prevent postoperative shivering. MethodsWe searched PubMed, Embase, Google Scholar, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library for relevant studies of the administration of dexamethasone to prevent postoperative shivering published through 31 May 2023. The primary outcome was the incidence of postoperative shivering. Secondary outcomes comprised the incidence of postoperative nausea, vomiting, and postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV). RevMan 5.3 software was used for the data analysis. ResultsWe included 12 randomized controlled trials (1276 participants). The results revealed a benefit favoring the perioperative administration of dexamethasone to prevent postoperative shivering (relative risk [RR]: 0.39; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.23-0.63), as well as the grade of shivering. The administration of dexamethasone also reduced the incidence of postoperative nausea (RR: 0.54; 95% CI: 0.39-0.73), postoperative vomiting (RR: 0.37; 95% CI: 0.20-0.65), and PONV (RR: 0.50; 95% CI: 0.26-0.95) compared with the control group. ConclusionThis study indicated that perioperative administration of dexamethasone prevented postoperative shivering and decreased the incidence of other complications.PROSPERO registration number: CRD42020164488.

Automated summary

This study aimed to evaluate the perioperative administration of dexamethasone for preventing postoperative shivering. After searching for relevant studies, 12 randomized controlled trials with 1276 participants were included. The results showed that perioperative administration of dexamethasone effectively prevented postoperative shivering and reduced the incidence of postoperative nausea, vomiting, and postoperative nausea and vomiting syndrome.