effect of ephedrine on fetal outcome in treatment of maternal hypotension caused by spinal anesthesia during cesarean section

ABSTRACT

Spinal anesthesia causes hypotension which is a physiologic component during cesarean section. Ephedrine is used for prevention and treatment of maternal hypotension during spinal anesthesia. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of transient hypotension which is normalized with ephedrine on fetal outcome. Eighty women with singleton pregnancies scheduled for elective cesarean section under spinal anesthesia were divided to two groups. The control group was women with normal BP, and case group were women with hypotension who received ephedrine. Two groups were compared for these variables maternal BP and HR, nausea and vomiting, neonate Apgar and fetal cord blood gases. No difference was found between two groups for variables of age, BMI, weight, height, mean BP, mean HR, serum volume, fetal Apgar in 1 and 5 min and fetal cord fetal blood gases. Dosage of oxytocin used was significantly different between two groups [P-value = 0.003]. Transient hypotension which is treated by ephedrine does not have any effect on acid base situation of baby and treatment of hypotension with ephedrine in pregnant women is a safe procedure