The efficacy of ginger in reducing post-spinal puncture shivering in cesarean section patients: a randomised clinical trial

Introduction

Postoperative shivering is a common and unpleasant complication of spinal puncture. Various pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic options have been studied to control shivering. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of ginger in treating post-spinal puncture shivering in patients undergoing cesarean section.

Methods

A placebo-controlled, single-blinded, randomised controlled trial was conducted. A total of 242 eligible participants were assigned to the ginger or placebo suppository groups using block randomisation. Suppositories were administered immediately after the operation. The shivering scores were recorded for both groups at six time points (20, 35, 50, 65, 80, and 95 minutes) after the intervention. The participants' shivering scores were analysed using a repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) test.

Results

The results showed significant differences between the two groups in the mean shivering scores at 20, 35, 50, 65, and 80 minutes (P < 0.05), with no significant difference at 90 minutes. The trend of changes at six time points demonstrated that shivering intensity significantly differed between the two groups over time (P < 0.001). No significant side effects were observed in patients in the two groups.

Conclusion

Ginger suppository reduces shivering after spinal puncture in patients undergoing cesarean section (CS). Due to the lack of side effects and lower cost of ginger suppositories, it can be considered as an option for post-CS shivering.