The Effects of Volume Preloading on Spinal Anesthesia for Elective Caesarean Section

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: We have compared the protective effect of 1,000 ml preload on prevention of hypotension with 200 ml preload of crystalloid solution, administered during the 10 min before spinal anesthesia in 30 healthy women undergoing elective caesarean section. METHODS: Systolic blood pressure (SAP) and heart rate (HR) were measured as index of hypotension due to vasodilaton. Ephedrine IV bolus was treated as a decrease in systolic blood pressure to less than 70% of baseline value or to less than 90 mmHg. Apgar score, umbilical artery and vein blood gas analysis were also checked as parameters of fetal well-being. RESULTS: There was no difference in changes in maternal HR, SAP during spinal anesthesia between the two groups. There was no significant difference in ephedrine requirements between the two groups. There was no effect on the clinical condition of the newborn in each group, as assessed by Apgar scores and umbilical cord blood gas analysis. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that volume preloading is not essential to prevent spinal-induced hypotension at caesarean section.