The effect of Hemoglobin changes on postoperative shivering

Postoperative shivering is a common complication of anesthesia. Some studies reported that hemodilution induced anemia can reduce postoperative shivering. In this study, we evaluated the correlation between the hemoglobin index and changes on post anesthesia shivering. In a descriptive-analytical study, 117 patients aged 16-60 years were participated. Preoperative and postoperative hemoglobin index was measured. The level of hemoglobin was evaluated in 3 steps; before operation, 1 and 6 hours after operation. Postoperative shivering was evaluated by Crossly-staging. The collected data were analyzed by SPSS 17.00 software, using repeated measures analysis of variances and Spearman correlation tests. From the total of 117 patients, 21 patients (17.9%) demonstrated postoperative shivering. The mean hemoglobin levels in patients with and without shivering before the operation were found 14.70±2.38 and 15.14±2.25 mg/dl, respectively (P>0.05). After the operation, the mean hemoglobin levels in two groups were 13.28±2.36 and 13.64±2.05, respectively (P>0.05). Finally, measuring hemoglobin levels in both groups six hours after the operation, were found 13.08±2.2.10 and 13.52±2.49, respectively (P>0.05). No correlation was observed between the hemoglobin levels and shivering stages (P=0.085). According to results of this study, there is no correlation between hemoglobin level and postoperative shivering.