Baricity of Bupivacaine on Maternal Hemodynamics after Spinal Anesthesia for Cesarean Section: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: After spinal anesthesia, patients undergoing cesarean section are more likely to develop hemodynamic changes. The baricity of local anesthetic has an important role on spinal blockade effects. The aim of this study was to compare the isobar and hyperbaric bupivacaine 0.5% plus fentanyl on maternal hemodynamics after spinal anesthesia for C/S.

METHODS: In this double-blind study, 84 healthy pregnant women undergoing C/S using bupivacaine 0.5% isobar (study group, n=42) or hyperbaric (control group, n=42) for spinal anesthesia were scheduled. The study was conducted from 21 April 2014 to 21 November 2014 at Al-Zahra Hospital, Tabriz, Iran. Parameters such as maternal hemodynamics, block characteristics, side effects, and neonatal Apgar scores were recorded. Data were analyzed using the SPSS software by performing chi-square test, Fisher's exact test, one-way ANOVA, Mann-Whitney U-test, and student's t test.

RESULTS: The incidence of hypotension in the isobar group was lower than the hyperbaric group, although it was not statistically significant (40.47% vs. 61.9%, P=0.08). The duration of hypotension was shorter in the study group (1.6±7.8 min vs. 7.4±12.5 min, P=0.004). The dose of ephedrine was lower in the study group (2.4±6.6 mg vs. 5.3±10.7 mg, P=0.006). The main maternal side effect is sustained hypotension that was seen in 0 patients of the isobar and 7 (16.66%) of hyperbaric groups (P=0.006). None of the neonates had Apgar score≤7 at 5 min of delivery (P=1.0). Sensory and motor block duration was shorter in the study group (P=0.01).

CONCLUSION: Isobaric bupivacaine is associated with more hemodynamic stability and shorter sensory and motor blockade in mothers under spinal anesthesia for C/S. Trial Registration Number: IRCT201401287013N7.