Reduction of cerebral mean blood flow velocity and oxygenation after high-volume (1.5 ml kg⁻¹) caudal block in infants.

BACKGROUND: We have recently described a bi-directional bulk flow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) (coined 'the CSF rebound mechanism') after the use of high-volume caudal block in infants, which may explain the secondary longitudinal spread of the block. If important the initial cephalad transfer of CSF should be of such a magnitude that it would cause a transient reduction in cerebral blood flow (CBF) and cerebral oxygenation. The primary aim of this observational study was to delineate the magnitude of the reduction of CBF velocity (CBFV) associated with high-volume caudal block in infants.

METHODS: Ultrasound Doppler measurements of CBFV in the middle cerebral artery and also haemodynamic parameters and cerebral regional oxygenation (C(R)SO2) were followed during 5 min after the initial caudal injection (1.5 ml kg(-1), ropivacaine 0.2%) in 12 infants <3 months of age.

RESULTS: The caudal injection was associated with immediate and major reductions in CBFV indicating a concomitant reduction in CBF. A significant reduction of cerebral regional oxygenation C(R)SO2 was also observed. Systemic haemodynamic parameters were unchanged during the observation period.

CONCLUSION: High-volume caudal block causes a biphasic change in CBFV and was also found to affect cerebral oxygenation. Our findings lend further support to 'the CSF rebound mechanism' for secondary spread of high-volume caudal block.