Comparison of nicardipine and sodium nitroprusside induced hypotension for spinal surgery

The aim of this study was to compare the hypotensive effect of nicardipine versus Na nitroprusside on 40 adult patients undergoing lumbar fusion. An anesthetic technique was used in all patients. A significant difference was noted between the two groups in the amount of blood loss and restoration of mean arterial blood pressure after the discontinuation of infusion. A prolonged hypotension was recorded in the nicardipine group versus nitroprusside group. A statistical significant decrease in arterial oxygenation was observed in the nitroprusside patients. Meanwhile, there was no significant difference in both groups regarding the surgical outcome