Using Dexmedetomidine to Stop Shivering During Cesarean Deliveries

Dexmedetomidine for Treatment of Shivering During Scheduled Elective Cesarean Delivery: Determining the Optimal Dose

Phase 4 Interventional Mayo Clinic · NCT04730609

This study is testing the best dose of a medication called Dexmedetomidine to see if it can stop shivering in women during scheduled cesarean deliveries.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 4
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment40 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexFemale
SponsorMayo Clinic Academic / other
Locations1 site (Rochester, Minnesota)
Trial IDNCT04730609 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to identify the optimal dose of Dexmedetomidine to effectively stop shivering in 90% of patients undergoing scheduled elective cesarean deliveries. Participants will be women who experience significant shivering during the procedure, and the study will utilize a sequential up-and-down dosing method to determine the most effective dose. Anesthesia will be initiated with spinal anesthesia, and shivering will be assessed using a standardized grading scale. The goal is to achieve cessation of shivering within five minutes of administering the medication.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are women scheduled for elective cesarean deliveries who experience significant shivering during the procedure.

Not a fit: Patients who have contraindications to spinal anesthesia or allergies to Dexmedetomidine may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide an effective method to manage intraoperative shivering, improving patient comfort and outcomes during cesarean deliveries.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have explored the use of Dexmedetomidine for sedation and shivering management, showing promising results, but this specific approach is novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Women presenting for planned cesarean delivery.
* American Society of Anesthesiology Physical Classification Status 2 or 3; without major medical co-morbidities.
* Singleton gestation in the 3rd trimester (28-42 weeks gestation).
* Spinal anesthesia technique Women presenting for planned cesarean delivery.
* American Society of Anesthesiology Physical Classification Status 2 or 3; without major medical co-morbidities.
* Singleton gestation in the 3rd trimester (28-42 weeks gestation).
* Spinal anesthesia technique.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Any contraindication to spinal anesthesia technique.
* Allergy or intolerance to dexmedetomidine or clonidine.
* Oral temperature \< 36° Celsius prior to procedure.
* Unable to give personal consent.
* PPROM or concern for infection (e.g., chorioamnionitis).
* Conversion to General Anesthesia prior to randomization.
* Sedative medications (e.g., fentanyl, midazolam, ketamine, nitrous oxide) administered prior to randomization.

Where this trial is running

Rochester, Minnesota

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions ShiveringDose Finding StudyCesarean DeliveryDexmedetomidineDosing
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.