Spread of subarachnoid sensory block with hyperbaric bupivacaine in second trimester of pregnancy

Abstract

Study objective: To compare the spread of subarachnoid sensory block with hyperbaric bupivacaine in second trimester pregnant and non-pregnant women.

Design: Prospective study.

Setting: University teaching hospital.

Patients: 44 ASA physical status I and II women patients, 22 of whom were in their second trimester of pregnancy undergoing cervical cerclage, and 22 non-pregnant women scheduled for perianal surgery.

Interventions: The extent of sensory block and hemodynamic changes were assessed.

Measurements: Number of dermatomes blocked was determined by testing for pinprick; systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and heart rate (HR) were measured at 3, 5, 10, 15, 30 and 60 minutes.

Main results: Maximal sensory block was higher in the second trimester of the pregnant group by three dermatomes than the non-pregnant group. There were no statistically significant differences in SBP, DBP, or HR changes between the groups.

Conclusion: Pregnant women in the second trimester exhibit enhanced spread of spinal analgesia with hyperbaric bupivacaine more so than non-pregnant women.