ABSTRACT
Background: Hemodynamic variations are commonly encountered following subarchnoid block and can attribute to significant mortality and morbidity. To counteract the hypotension, fluid adminstration before spinal anaesthesia is recommended (preloading). Crystalloids and colloids are recommended as preloading fluids but both have their own merits and demerits. Objective: This comparative study was done to compare the effectiveness of ringer lactate versus 6% hydroxyl ethyl starch for preventing spinal anesthesia induced hypotension. Material and Methods: In this prospective study, we compare the effectiveness of ringer lactate versus 6% hydroxy ethyl starch at 10ml/kg over a period of 20 minutes before spinal anaesthesia in preventing hypotension. After administration of spinal anaestheisa mean arterial pressure were recorded at 1, 5, 10, 15, 30, 45, 60, 90 minutes and 3 hours after spinal anaesthesia. Number of patient, recieving injection Mephentermine sulphate for persistent hypotension was also recorded. Results: We found that hydroxy ethyl starch is more effective than ringer lactate solution as a preloading fluid in prevention of hypotension following spinal anaesthesia. Conclusion: Hydroxy ethyl starch is superior to ringer lactate in preventing hypotension in patients undergoing elective lower abdominal surgeries under spinal anaesthesia but the incidence of hypotension is not completely eliminated.