RESUMO
Objective To evaluate the effect of oxytocin on Tp-e and QTc interval during caesarean section under spinal anesthesia in healthy puerperas. Methods Forty ASA Ⅰ puerperas were selected and allocated to receive oxytocin intravenous bolus group (group-IB) or oxytocin continuous infusion group (group-CI) with 20 puerperas in each by random digits table. An intravenous bolus of 5% glucose 5 ml and 5 U oxytocin was administered after delivery a 55-60 s period. A continuous infusion of 5% glucose 5 ml and 5U oxytocin was administered after delivery a 10 min period. Measured the QTc interval,Tp-e interval,mean arterial pressure (MAP) and beart rate ( HR ) pre-operatively, then 1,3 and 5 ain after spinal anesthesia, and at least 1,3,5 and 10 min after oxytocin injection. Results In group-IB:HR was fast 1 min after oxytocin injection compared with pre-operatively [(89 ± 13) beats/min vs. (73 ± 12) beats/min] ,MAP was decreased [(69 ± 12 ) mm Hg ( 1 mm Hg= 0. 133 kPa ) vs. ( 82 ± 13 ) mm Hg] and QTc interval was prolonged [(426 ±21 ) ms vs. (405 ± 18 ) ms] (P ＜ 0.01 ); but Tp-e interval was prolonged 1,3,5 min after oxytocin injection compared with pre-operatively (P ＜ 0.01 or ＜ 0.05 ). Conclusions Single large dose of oxytocin intravenous bolus (5 U) can prolong QTc interval and Tp-e interval in healthy puerperas, and Tp-e interval can exact predict the occurrence of ventricular arrhythmias. The risk-benefit balance of oxytocin bolus during caesarean delivery should be discussed with women with a history of long QT syndrome.