الفهرس | Only 14 pages are availabe for public view |
Abstract Background: Spinal anesthesia is the preferred method for elective cesarean sections due to considerable risks regarding airway management associated with physiological changes of pregnancy. Hypotension is reported to occur in up to 80% of spinal anesthesia cases, it can lead to serious maternal complications as well as impairment of the uterine and placental blood flow. Many approaches have been investigated to prevent spinal hypotension, e.g., fluid loading, vasopressors, or both. Objectives: In this study, we compared the administration of intermittent i.v. boluses of norepinephrine and ephedrine to guard against the hypotensive effect of spinal anesthesia during cesarean delivery. Patients and Methods: After obtaining approval from the Research Ethical Committee of Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, and written informed consent this study will be conducted in the operating theatres of Ain Shams University Hospitals. Results: The results of the study showed that compared with ephedrine, norepinephrine maintained maternal blood pressure and uterine artery blood flow. Further, it was associated with lower numbers of hypotension and hypertension episodes and less frequency of bradycardia and tachycardia during cesarean delivery. Conclusion: Norepinephrine can be used as an alternative vasopressor to maintain maternal blood pressure during spinal anesthesia for cesarean delivery, with no adverse effect on neonatal outcome. |