Volume preload: lack of effect in the prevention of spinal-induced hypotension at caesarean section

Abstract

A randomized double-blind study of 40 women was performed to compare blood pressure changes between two groups of women following induction of spinal anaesthesia for elective caesarean section. One group received a 1 L Ringer's solution preload, administered over 10 min, before spinal anaesthesia while the other group received no preload. In both groups a prophylactic infusion of ephedrine (60 mg in Ringer's solution 1000 ml) was started immediately following intrathecal injection of local anaesthetic. There was no significant difference either in the ephedrine requirements or the incidence of hypotension between the two groups. There were no differences between the groups in terms of neonatal outcome as assessed by Apgar score, umbilical arterial and venous blood pH, and Neonatal Adaptive Capacity Scores. When ephedrine is infused prophylactically immediately following spinal anaesthesia for elective caesarean section, a 1000 ml crystalloid preload confers no advantages in terms of maternal blood pressure control or neonatal outcome.