Comparison of infusions of phenylephrine and ephedrine in spinal anaesthesia

ABSTRACT

Objectives to assess the maternal cardiovascular changes [i.e. hypotension] and neonatal status in healthy women who underwent elective C.S under epidural anaesthesia and to compare the effect of optimal doses of 3 different vasopressors on hypotension and acid-base status in mothers and neonates during spinal anaesthesia [SA] for caesarian section [CS]. the total number of pregnant women who underwent, spinal anaesthesia during c.s were 150 between Jan 1st till 31st Dec 1999 at Q.A.M.H., a total of 15 pregnant women were randomly selected into group 1 received an infusion of ephedrine 1mg/min [at 60ml/hr]. Group 2 received an infusion of ephedrine 2mg/min [at 120ml/hr] and group 3 was given an infusion of phenylephrine 10 mcg/min [at 60ml/hr] there was no significant difference in maternal age, weight or systolic arterial pressure between the 3 groups. Similarly, there was no significant difference between the 3 groups in the volume of bupivacaine used, time taken for anaesthesia to reach T4, time from insertion of the spinal to delivery of fetus and uterine incision delivery time