OBJECTIVETo explore the efficacy of electric acupoint stimulation on shivering in cesarean section.

METHODSEighty cases of parturients, under the America Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status II , were randomized into a transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) assisted anesthesia group (group A) and an anesthesia group (group B). Spinal-epidural anesthesia(CSEA) puncture was applied to both groups and 8 mg of 0. 75% bubivacaine was given by spinal injection, the block level was T4 T8. In group A, TEAS was applied before CSEA at paired acupoints-ipsilateral Hegu (LI 4)-Laogong (PC 8) and Sanyinjiao (SP 6)-Zusanli (ST 36) till ending the surgery. The 4 pair of bilateral acupoints were fixed with self-adhesive electrodes and connected with Han's acupoint and nerve stimulator (HANS, LH402H), the frequency was 2 Hz/ 15 Hz, the intensity was 10- 30 mA and the form was densedisperse wave within the patients' tolarance. The heart rate (HR), mean arterial pressure (MAP), oxyhemoglobin saturation (SPO) and shivering degree were recorded before anesthesia (To), 1 min after anesthesia puncture (Ti), 1 min after the delivery (Tz), during abdomen closure (T3) and at the end of surgery (T4).

RESULTSThe occurrence rate of shivering was 35. 0% (14/40) in group A, which was lower to 67. 5% (27/40, P<0. 05) in group B; the degree of shivering was lighter in group A than that in group B at T2, T3 and T4 (all P<0. 01). In group A, HR was faster at T1 and T2 compared to that at To (all P<0. 05), while at T3 and T4, the HR was the same with that before anesthesia (all P>0. 05). In group B, the HR was faster at T1, T2, T3 and T4 compared to that at T0 (P<0. 05, P<0. 01). In both groups, the MAP was lower at T1, T2 (P<0.05,P<0.01) and resumed to that before anesthesia at T3 and T4 (all P>0.05); there was no statistical significance of SPO2 in both groups (all P>0.05).

CONCLUSIONTEAS can reduce the occurrence rate of shivering and steady the heart rate in cesarean section.