Global obstetric anaesthesia: bridging the gap in maternal health care inequities through partnership in education.

Maternal mortality rates are unacceptably high globally. Low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) face challenges of an inadequate anaesthesia workforce, under-resourced healthcare systems and sub-optimal access to labour and delivery care, all of which negatively impact maternal and neonatal outcomes. In order to effect the changes in surgical-obstetric-anaesthesia workforce numbers advocated by the Lancet Commission on Global Surgery to support the UN sustainable development goals, mass training and upskilling of both physician and non-physician anaesthetists is imperative. The implementation of outreach programmes and partnerships across organisations and countries has already been shown to improve the provision of safe care to mothers and their babies, and these efforts should be continued. Short subspecialty courses and simulation training are two cornerstones of modern obstetric anaesthesia training in poorly resourced environments. This review discusses the challenges to accessing quality maternal healthcare in LMICs and the use of education, outreach, partnership and research to protect the most vulnerable women from coming to harm in the peripartum period.

Study of Two Different Volumes of 0.75% Ropivacaine for Ultrasound Guided Supraclavicular Brachial Plexus Block on Successful Blockade and Diaphragmatic Motility.

Background Use of ultrasound guidance during supraclavicular brachial plexus block allows the usage of a lower anesthetics dose and minimizing unwanted effects of the anesthesia. Objective To compare the success of sensory blockade and the incidence of hemidiaphragmatic dysfunction in patients receiving two different volume of 0.75% Ropivacaine for ultrasound guided supraclavicular brachial plexus block. Method A prospective randomized double-blinded comparative study was conducted. Group A patients (n=30) received 20 ml and Group B (n=30) received 25 ml of 0.75% Ropivacaine for ultrasound guided supraclavicular brachial plexus block. Hemodynamic parameters, oxygen saturation, diaphragmatic excursion, onset of sensory blockade and time for completion of blockade were measured. Independent t-test, Chi-square test and Mann-Whitney U test were used to analyze the data at p value of less than 0.05 using Statistical Package for Social sciences (version 11.5). Result At 30 minutes, 29 (96.67%) patients in group B and 27 (90.0%) patients in group A had no sensation in median, radial, ulnar, musculocutaneous and medial cutaneous nerves teritories; however, it was not significant statistically (p value > 0.05). At 30 minutes in Group A, 25 (83.33%) patients had no diaphragmatic hemiparesis and five (16.67%) patients had partial diaphragmatic hemiparesis. However, three (10%) patients had no diaphragmatic hemiparesis in Group B, 25 (83.33%) patients had partial and two (6.67%) patients had complete diaphragmatic hemiparesis and it was statistically significant (p < 0.05). Age and sex had no effect on diaphragmatic hemiparesis in both groups (p value > 0.05). Conclusion The patients receiving lower volume of Ropivacaine had less incidence of hemidiaphragmatic dysfunction with similar sensory blockade as compared to the patients receiving higher volume of Ropivacaine.

Colistin Resistance among Human Clinical Isolates from a Tertiary Care Hospital in Nepal.

Background Colistin is increasingly being used for treatment of multidrug resistant (MDR) bacterial infections in human. The plasmid mediated mcr-1 gene was detected recently among the poultry in Nepal. Plasmid mediated colistin resistance among human isolates would severely compromise the treatment of MDR bacterial infections. Objective To find out the prevalence of colistin resistance among the gram-negative bacteria isolated from clinical specimen. Method A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital in Kathmandu. Colistin resistance among all the gram negative bacilli (GNB), isolated in a year, from all clinical specimen subjected for aerobic bacterial isolation, was detected by disc diffusion and agar dilution methods. Those with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) > 2 mcg/ml were subjected to polymerase chain reaction for detection of mcr-1 gene. Result A total of 1993 aerobic GNB were isolated from clinical samples received from February 2018 to January 2019. By the agar dilution screening method, 2.1% of the GNBs isolated had MIC of colistin > 2 mcg/ml. None of these possessed the mcr-1 gene. Conclusion Given the occurrence of increased MIC of colistin in the clinical isolates in our set up, nationwide active surveillance would generate data for Nepal. The study for the presence of other genes (chromosomal or plasmid mediated) responsible for the increased MIC of colistin would further guide the control measures.

Intraoperative Infusion of Magnesium Sulphate does not Reduce Laryngospasm and Agitation during Emergence from Anaesthesia in Children.

Background Laryngospasm and agitation during emergence from general anaesthesia are frequent in children. Magnesium sulphate may have the potential of reducing both of these adverse events. In addition, magnesium has analgesic and anaesthetic properties. Objective To find out the effectiveness of magnesium sulphate in reducing the occurrence of emergence laryngospasm and agitation and other adverse events if any in children. Method Randomized, placebo controlled study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital in 132 children, aged 3-12 years undergoing general anaesthesia for hernia and hydrocele surgery. Children with American Society of Anaesthesiologist Physical Status > II were excluded. After insertion of laryngeal mask airway, 20 ml of either magnesium sulphate 15 mg/kg (Group M) or normal saline (Group N) was infused at the rate of 1 ml/min. The severity of laryngospasm and agitation was assessed. We also noted other adverse events, if occurred. Result Laryngospasm occurred in 7(10.6%) patients of group M and in 10(15.1%) patients of group N(p=0.40). While 14(10.6%) patients developed laryngospasm immediately after removal of LMA, only 3(2.2%) patients developed it in the post anaesthetic care unit. Two (3.0%) patients of group M and four patients (6.0%) of group N were agitated (p=0.40). Three (4.5%) patients of group M and 14(21.2%) patients of group N coughed during emergence (p=0.004). Conclusion Intraoperative infusion of 15 mg/kg magnesium sulphate, does not reduce the occurrence of emergence laryngospasm and agitation in children. However, it significantly reduce emergence cough.

Effect of Positive Airway Pressure During Preoxygenation on Safe Apnea Period: a comparison of the supine and 25° head up position.

Background Preoxygenation is performed before induction of anaesthesia which increases oxygen reserve and provides delayed onset of hypoxia during period of apnea. Several techniques such as positive airway pressure and head-up tilt during preoxygenation have shown to prolong safe apnea period compared to conventional technique. However, uniform recommendations have not yet been made. Objective To find out the effect of combination of 5 cmH2 O continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) and 25° head up position during preoxygenation on safe apnea period. Method In this comparative study 60 non-obese adult patients were divided into three equal groups; Group C receiving preoxygenation in conventional technique, Group S receiving preoxygenation with 5 cmH2 O continuous positive airway pressure in supine position and Group H receiving preoxygenation in 25° head-up position with 5 cmH2 O continuous positive airway pressure. After 3 min of preoxygenation, intubation was performed after induction of anaesthesia with propofol, fentanyl and succinylcholine. After confirming the tracheal intubation by direct visualization, all patients were administered vecuronium to maintain neuromuscular blockade. Postintubation, patients in all groups were left in same position with the tracheal tube exposed to atmosphere and without being ventilated till the SpO2 dropped to 92%. The primary outcome compared between the groups was the safe apnea period (time from loss of consciousness to fall of SpO2 to 92%). Result The duration of safe apnea period was longer (p < 0.05) in Group H patients (405.9 ± 106.69 s) as compared to the Group C (296.9 ± 99.01s) and Group S (319.65 ± 71.54s). Although the duration of safe apnea period was longer in the Group S as compared to Group C the difference was not statistically significant. Conclusion Preoxygenation in 25° head-up position with 5 cm H2O continuous positive airway pressure significantly prolongs safe apnea period in non-obese adults compared to supine position, with or without 5 cmH2O continuous positive airway pressure.

A Study of Vitamin D among Patients Presenting in the Psychiatric OPD of Manipal Teaching Hospital, Pokhara.

Background There have been growing interests in the association between vitamin D and depression in recent years. Objective The objective of this study was to find the prevalence of low vitamin D level in the patients suffering from depressive episodes. The next objective was to determine whether there are any statistically significant differences between the mean vitamin D levels of different sociodemographic variables and also to find the sociodemographic variables predicting the vitamin D level. Method The patients diagnosed as depressive episodes were selected from the out-patient unit of Department of Psychiatry of Manipal Teaching Hospital, Pokhara. The proforma was used to collect the sociodemographic profile of the patient. The diagnosis of depressive episode was made according to the International Classification of Disease-10 Classification of Mental and Behavioural Disorders: Diagnostic Criteria for Research. The serum vitamin D level of less than 30 ng/ml was considered as low level in this study. Result The prevalence of low vitamin level was found in 81.8%. The mean difference of vitamin D level was statistically significant in gender and marital status of the patients. The low mean vitamin level was found in the socio-demographic variables like in age above 60 years, Newar caste, female gender, separated from the spouse patients and in the patients living in the urban area as compared to other group of patients. The gender of the patients predicted vitamin D level in the depressed patients. Conclusion There is high prevalence of low vitamin D level in the depressed patients. The correction of low vitamin D level would be helpful in the holistic management of patient with depressive episodes.

Implications of Subarchnoid Block in Senile Kyphosis.

Since the literature related to safety or efficacy of placing spinal blocks in patients with kyphosis is lacking, we aim to discuss about the anaesthesia implications of spinal anaesthesia in senile kyphosis. We successfully administered spinal anesthesia in three elderly patients with predominant kyphotic deformity with absent or mild scoliosis. The needle insertion attempts did not exceed two and a smaller dose of anesthetic was sufficient. While choosing spinal anaesthesia in patients with kyphosis, a risk benefit analysis needs to be performed based on the co-presence of scoliosis and its severity, desired level of anesthesia, and associated or coexisting systemic illness.

Postoperative Analgesic Effect of Morphine Added to Bupivacaine for Transversus Abdominis Plane (TAP) Block in Appendectomy.

Background Transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block with local anaesthetics produces effective pain relief following lower abdominal surgeries. Although opioids have been found to have effects through peripheral receptors also, reports on their effect when used as additive to local anaesthetics for TAP block are lacking. Objective To assess the analgesic effect of peripherally administered morphine with bupivacaine for ipsilateral TAP block in patients undergoing emergency appendectomy under general anaesthesia. Method Sixty patients undergoing appendectomy were randomized to undergo ipsilateral TAP with 20 ml of 0.5% bupivacaine plus 2 ml of NS (total 22 ml) and 2 ml of intravenous (IV) saline (Group TB) or with 20ml of 0.5% bupivacaine plus 2 mg (2 ml) of morphine (total 22 ml) and 2 ml of NS IV (Group TBM) or with 20 ml of 0.5% bupivacaine plus 2 ml of NS (total 22 ml) and 2 mg (2 ml) IV morphine (Group TB-IVM). Pain severity was measured using Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) preoperatively (Baseline) and at 30 min, 6h, 12 h and 24 h postoperatively. Inj. tramadol 50 mg IV was used as rescue analgesic when postoperative VAS was 4 or more. The duration of analgesia (time to first analgesic) and the postoperative 24 h tramadol requirement was recorded. Result The mean duration of analgesia in Group TBM was significantly longer (801.50 ± 74.92 min, p=0.002) than in Group TB (720.00 ± 42.17 min) and Group TB-IVM (712.70 ± 40.94 min). The mean postoperative 24 h tramadol requirement was also less in Group TBM (69.23 ± 25.31mg) than in Groups TB (100.00 ± 38.34 mg) and TB-IVM (95.00 ± 39.40 mg) but did not reach the level of statistical significance (p=0.057). Significantly less ondansetron was required in Group TBM (3.80 ± 2.04 mg) than in Group TB (6.80 ± 2.93 mg) and TB-IVM (6.00 ± 2.75 mg) (p=0.002). Conclusion Morphine added to bupivacaine effectively prolongs the analgesic duration of TAP block in appendectomy.

Clinico-etiological Profile of Melasma among Female Health Workers in a Tertiary Care Center of Central Nepal - A Cross Sectional Study.

Background Melasma is an acquired symmetrical dyschromia with profound psychosocial impacts. It is a common pigmentary disorder with less clear etiology and limited management options. There are limited data regarding melasma in our scenario. Objective To evaluate the clinico-etiological profile of melasma, among the female health workers (FHW) in a tertiary health center. Method This is a single center, cross-sectional, descriptive study involving female health workers with or without melasma. A total of 198 female health workers were evaluated at Dhulikhel hospital Kathmandu university hospital for clinic-etiological profile of melasma in January 2017. Video-dermatoscopy was used for the clinical diagnosis of melasma. A structured, self-administered questionnaire was used for assessment. Risk factor assessment of etiological agents as sun exposure, hormonal medication, photo aggravating drugs, stressors as night duty were evaluated. Result The point prevalence of melasma among female health workers 20.7% (n=41). The mean age of respondents was 26.2 ± 3.23 years with duration of disease process 3.6 ± 2.5 years. Centro-facial pattern was the commonest clinical type (53.7%) and video-dermatoscopy revealed mixed pattern as the commonest (56.1%) pigment deposition pattern. Among 132 female health workers doing night duty on regular basis, 23 had melasma while 66 female health workers not doing night duty, 18 had melasma (p = 0.10). Whereas while comparing hours of night duty per week among respondents with melasma (n=23) and without melasma (n=18) were 23.72±10.08 hours and 17.8±4.77 hours respectively (p=0.02). Conclusion The present study reveals higher prevalence of melasma among female health workers having more stressors as night duty.

Antibiotic Usage and its Culture Sensitivity Pattern in Urinary Tract Infections at Tertiary Hospital in Eastern Nepal.

Background The presence of microbial pathogen in the urinary tract is Urinary Tract Infection (UTI). In BP Koirala Institute of Health Sciences (BPKIHS), each year there are around 1000 cases of UTIs. Antibiotic is empirically started after sending culture/sensitivity (c/s) with intention to change antibiotic if c/s demands. Objective To see the antimicrobial prescribing pattern and c/s pattern of UTI inpatients of BPKIHS together with their socio-demographic and laboratory profile. Method It was a Record-Based Retrospective Descriptive Study of past one-year. All available inpatient-records from Medical-Record Section were extensively searched for the keyword "UTI" diagnosis. The relevant data were entered in Microsoft Excel-sheet and analyzed with IBM SPSS 21. Ethical clearance was obtained from the IRC before study. Result There were 86 cases from four different wards. There was slight female preponderance (51.16%). Fifty-five (63.95%) cases were complicated. Fever (75.51%) was the most common symptom. Only 20% were tachycardic but 90% were tachypnic. Leucocytosis (59.26%), urine albumin within 30-100 mg/dl (33.85%) and >5 Urine WBC/hpf (80.26%) were seen. Ceftiaxone (53.16%) was the most commonly prescribed empirical antibiotic, followed by Cefixime (6.32%). Fourteen (16.27%) cases were culture positive. E. coli was the most (78.57%) common pathogen grown. In culture sensitivity study, Amikacin (42.85%) was the most sensitive antibiotic. Conclusion Eighty-six UTI inpatients were identified last year. Fever and Tachypnoea were very common. Leucocytosis, 1+ proteinuria and urine WBC>5/hpf were frequently seen. Ceftriaxone was the most common antibiotic prescribed. E. coli was the most common pathogen grown and Amikacin was the most sensitive antibiotic.

Analgesia before Performing Subarachnoid Block in the Sitting Position in Patients with Proximal Femoral Fracture: A Comparison between Fascia Iliaca Block and Femoral Nerve Block.

BACKGROUND: Positioning for subarachnoid block (SAB) in patients with femoral fracture is painful and may remain suboptimal requiring use of large doses of opioids. These patients generally being elderly with multiple comorbidities and frailty are likely to have many undesirable effects of opioids including respiratory depression and confusion. OBJECTIVE: The objective was to compare the feasibility and effectiveness of fascia iliaca compartment block (FICB) and femoral nerve block (FNB) in reducing pain associated with positioning for subarachnoid block in patients undergoing proximal femoral fracture fixation procedures. METHOD: Group FICB patients (n=15) received fascia iliaca block with 30 ml of 1.5% lignocaine with adrenaline and group FNB patients (n=15) received femoral nerve block with 15 ml of 1.5% lignocaine with adrenaline. After the study blocks, patients were kept on supine position for at least 20 minutes before shifting them to the operation theatre. Pain was assessed by using visual analog scale values before the block and during the position for subarachnoid block. Time to perform subarachnoid block, quality of positioning and acceptance was recorded. RESULT: Visual analog scale values during positioning for SAB were lower in FIB group than in FNB (1.0±1.1 versus 2.1±0.8; P< 0.05). Time to perform SAB was shorter in FIB than in FNB (109.6±28.2 seconds versus 134.8±31.9 seconds; P< 0.05). Quality of patient positioning for SAB was comparable between the groups. Patient acceptance was less in group FNB (P< 0.05). CONCLUSION: Fascia iliaca compartment block provides better analgesia than femoral nerve block in terms of facilitating optimal positioning for subarachnoid block in patients undergoing proximal femoral fracture fixation procedure.

Adverse Events in Children Receiving General Anaesthesia with Laryngeal Mask Airway Insertion.

INTRODUCTION: Perioperative adverse events are more common in children compared to adult population. Reporting an adverse event proves effective in identifying problems and helps in prevention and early management. Our objective was to identify the types, incidence, and the time of occurrence of perioperative adverse event. We also aimed to find out whether the occurrence of the types of adverse events differ in children below and above five years. METHODS: This was a prospective study in 242, ASA Physical Status I and II children aged day one to 14 years, receiving general anesthesia with laryngeal mask airway for various elective surgeries. Adverse events observed in the perioperative period were recorded. RESULTS: Adverse events related to respiratory system (n=26, 55%) were the most common followed by cardiovascular system (n= 14, 30%). Adverse events were observed in 24(10%) children in the operating room and in 20 (8%) children in the post anaesthesia care unit. In the operating room, majority (14 of 27, 52%) of the events occurred immediately after removal of laryngeal mask airway. Respiratory events were more common in children below five years (p=0.007), whereas cardiac events were more common in children above five years (p=0.02). CONCLUSIONS: The commonest adverse event in children is related to respiratory system. Adverse events occur more frequently in the operating room, mostly immediately after removal of laryngeal mask airway. Respiratory events are more frequent in children below five years whereas cardiac events are more frequent in children above five years.

Nonlinear lattice dynamics as a basis for enhanced superconductivity in YBa2Cu3O6.5.

Terahertz-frequency optical pulses can resonantly drive selected vibrational modes in solids and deform their crystal structures. In complex oxides, this method has been used to melt electronic order, drive insulator-to-metal transitions and induce superconductivity. Strikingly, coherent interlayer transport strongly reminiscent of superconductivity can be transiently induced up to room temperature (300 kelvin) in YBa2Cu3O6+x (refs 9, 10). Here we report the crystal structure of this exotic non-equilibrium state, determined by femtosecond X-ray diffraction and ab initio density functional theory calculations. We find that nonlinear lattice excitation in normal-state YBa2Cu3O6+x at above the transition temperature of 52 kelvin causes a simultaneous increase and decrease in the Cu-O2 intra-bilayer and, respectively, inter-bilayer distances, accompanied by anisotropic changes in the in-plane O-Cu-O bond buckling. Density functional theory calculations indicate that these motions cause drastic changes in the electronic structure. Among these, the enhancement in the character of the in-plane electronic structure is likely to favour superconductivity.

Anaphylaxis to pegylated liposomal Doxorubicin: a case report.

Liposomal doxorubicin is used for the treatment of various cancers like epithelial ovarian cancers, multiple myeloma and sarcomas. We report the first case of anaphylaxis to pegylated liposomal doxorubicin.

Successful intubation with McCoy laryngoscope in a patient with ankylosing spondylitis.

Involvement of cervical spine in ankylosing spondylitis limits neck movement resulting in difficult intubation. We report a case of 45-yr-old lady of ankylosing spondylitis with restricted neck movement planned for emergency laparotomy. Grade 3 Cormack and Lehane laryngoscopic view was observed with Macintosh laryngoscope and gum elastic bougie could not be negotiated. At second attempt with McCoy blade, the posterior commissure of the vocal cord could be visualized and intubation was successful. Thus, in absence of flexible laryngoscopes and when awake intubation is not feasible, McCoy blade should be considered an alternative than Macintosh blade to attempt intubation in patients of ankylosing spondylitis with restricted neck movement.

Coherent quasiparticles with a small fermi surface in lightly doped Sr(3)Ir(2)O(7).

We characterize the electron doping evolution of (Sr_{1-x}La_{x})_{3}Ir_{2}O_{7} by means of angle-resolved photoemission. Concomitant with the metal insulator transition around x≈0.05 we find the emergence of coherent quasiparticle states forming a closed small Fermi surface of volume 3x/2, where x is the independently measured La concentration. The quasiparticle weight Z remains large along the entire Fermi surface, consistent with the moderate renormalization of the low-energy dispersion, and no pseudogap is observed. This indicates a conventional, weakly correlated Fermi liquid state with a momentum independent residue Z≈0.5 in lightly doped Sr_{3}Ir_{2}O_{7}.

Large versus Small Dose Magnesium Sulfate Infusion in Tetanus.

INTRODUCTION: Evidence based guidelines regarding the use of magnesium sulfate in tetanus is lacking. Hence, our objective was to compare two infusion doses of magnesium sulfate to control the tetanic spasms. METHODS: Data of 14 adult male patients admitted in the intensive care unit were retrieved. Twelve adult ventilated patients received magnesium infusion as an adjunct to diazepam therapy to control tetanic spasms. We retrospectively divided them into two groups for comparison. Group 1 patients (n=7) received a smaller dose (<1 g.h(-1)) than group 2 (n=5) (1.5 to 2 g.h(-1)). RESULTS: The duration of symptoms before arrival to hospital was significantly longer in group 1 than group 2. The Ablett severity grade was II in three patients in group 1 and III in all patients of group 2. In Ablett severity grade III patients, the diazepam dose used was significantly higher in group 1 (n=4) (292±48 mg.d(-1)) than group 2 (n=3) (106±9 mg.d(-1)) as magnesium infusion dose was restricted due to hypotension in group 1. Amongst the patients who received MgSO(4) for ≥10 days, the requirement of diazepam was significantly reduced in the second week (174.1±59.2 mg/d) than the first week (325.4±105.9 mg.d(-1)) of infusion in group 2 (n=4) but not in group 1 patients (n=4). CONCLUSIONS: The larger dose of MgSO(4) infusion was titrated to control tetanic spasms as an adjunct to diazepam in select group of patients without hypotension. Uncontrolled hypotension, cardiac arrhythmia and renal failure were the factors to limit its infusion dose.

Preinduction incentive spirometry versus deep breathing to improve apnea tolerance during induction of anesthesia in patients of abdominal sepsis: A randomized trial.

BACKGROUND: Abdominal sepsis is associated with varied degree of hypoxemia and atelactasis in the lung and can enhance the onset of desaturation of arterial blood during apnea. AIMS: This study looked at methods to improve safety margin of apnea during induction of anesthesia in these high-risk patients. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: It was a randomized, single blind study on adult patients presenting for emergency laparotomy due to peritonitis in a university teaching hospital setting. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In group 1 (IS) (n = 32), three sessions of incentive spirometry (IS) were performed within one hour before induction of anesthesia. In group 2 (DB) (n = 34), patients were subjected to deep breathing sessions in a similar manner. All patients received preoxygenation (100%) by mask for 3 min, followed by rapid-sequence induction of anesthesia using fentanyl, thiopental, and suxamethonium and endotracheal intubation. Patients were subjected to a period of apnea by keeping the end of the endotracheal tube open to air till they developed 95% hemoglobin saturation (SpO 2) by pulse oxymetry. Positive pressure ventilation was resumed at the end. We observed for hemodynamic changes, apnea time, and SpO 2 (100%) recovery time on resuming ventilation. Arterial blood gas samples were taken before intervention, after IS or DB, after preoxygenation, and at the end of apnea. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), X 2 test, Kaplan-Meier graph, and log-rank tests were applied to compare the two study groups. RESULTS: Oxygenation level in group 1 (265 ± 76.7 mmHg) patients was significantly (P < 0.001) higher than in group 2 (221 ± 61.8 mmHg)at the end of preoxygenation. The apnea time (median: lower bound - upper bound Confidence Interval apnea time) (272:240-279 s) in group 1 (IS) patients was significantly higher P < 0.05) than in group 2 (180:163-209 s) patients. Saturation recovery time (35:34-46 s) in group 1 (IS) patients was also quicker than in group 2 patients (48:44-58 s). CONCLUSIONS: IS in the preoperative period is superior to deep breathing sessions for improving apnea tolerance during induction of anesthesia in abdominal sepsis patients.

Analgesic effects of intrathecal tramadol in patients undergoing caesarean section: a randomised, double-blind study.

BACKGROUND: Intrathecal tramadol combined with local anaesthetics has been used for postoperative analgesia following lower abdominal and perineal surgery. The present study evaluated the effect of intrathecal tramadol on spinal block characteristics and neonatal outcome after elective caesarean section. METHODS: Eighty full-term parturients scheduled for elective caesarean section were randomly divided into two groups. In the fentanyl group, patients received intrathecal 0.5% bupivacaine 10 mg with fentanyl 10 µg; in the tramadol group, patients were given the same dose of bupivacaine with tramadol 10 mg. Sensory and motor block characteristics, duration of postoperative analgesia, maternal side effects, and neonatal outcome were compared. RESULTS: One patient in the tramadol group and two patients in the fentanyl group were excluded from data analysis. Median [interquartile range] duration of postoperative analgesia in the tramadol and the fentanyl groups was 300 [240-360] min and 260 [233-300] min respectively (P = 0.02). The incidence of shivering was lower in patients who received tramadol (5%) than those who had fentanyl (32%) (P = 0.003). Apgar scores, umbilical cord acid-base measurement and neurologic and adaptive capacity scores were comparable between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Compared to intrathecal fentanyl 10 µg, tramadol 10 mg, as an adjunct to bupivacaine for subarachnoid block for caesarean section, showed a longer duration of analgesia with a reduced incidence of shivering.