Postoperative shivering in children and causative factors

Background: The aim of this study is to investigate the incidence of shivering in children and to reveal the causative factors as well as any possible clinical implications. Methods: This study was conducted on 1507 children who underwent surgery under general anesthesia. The patients were admitted to the postanesthesia care unit after the operation and their body temperatures measured from the tympanic membrane. The type of operation, operative time, method of anesthesia induction, age, and number of cases in which caudal block had been used were recorded. Results: Of the 1507 children, 53 (3.5%) experienced shivering. The use of intravenous induction agents, age older than 6 years, and prolonged duration of surgery were associated with shivering. The type of the operation and gender had no effect. The frequency of shivering was lower in children who underwent caudal block with a statistical significance (P < 0.05). Conclusions: The overall incidence of shivering in children is low (3.5%). Use of intravenous induction agents, age older than 6 years, and prolonged duration of surgery were associated with shivering; prophylaxis is not necessary in children, treatment is given only when shivering occurs.