Abstract

Changes in bladder, tympanic membrane, and skin temperature were monitored in two groups of parturients after they received epidural anesthesia for elective Cesarean sections. Group 2 patients (n = 21) received warm intravenous crystalloid and prep solutions as well as extra body covering, whereas Group 1 patients (n = 19) did not. The drop in bladder temperature over the course of the procedure was significantly greater in Group 1 patients (1.0 ± .02°C vs. 0.6 ± 0.01°C, SEM p <0.05). The incidence of shivering was similar in both groups (52% vs. 68%, x²=0.42). The peak onset of shivering occurred within 10 minutes of epidural anesthesia and preceded any significant decline in core temperature. However, a positive correlation was noted between shivering and bladder temperature decline over the full course of Cesarean section.