A Comparative Study of Ephedrine and Phenylephrine in Averting Hypotension during Cesarean Section under Spinal Anesthesia

Abstract

Maternal haemodynamic variations are communal during caesarean section by spinal anesthesia. Several measures are adopted to treat hypotension. The aim of this study is to compare the effectiveness of phenylephrine and ephedrine in treating and preventing hypotension during C-section by spinal anesthesia and its outcome on the condition of the fetus. Place and Duration: In the Anesthesia department of Divisional Headquarter teaching Hospital Mirpur Azad Kashmir for six-months duration from July 2021 to December 2021. Methods: 120 total ASA grade-I patients with normal single pregnancy over 36 weeks who endured planned caesarean-section under spinal-anesthesia were randomized into 2 groups equally. Group I was given 5 mg rescue bolus and 10 mg prophylactic bolus dose of ephedrine intravenously during intrathecal block. Group II received 50 µg of rescue bolus and 100 µg of an intravenous dose of prophylactic phenylephrine bolus during intrathecal block. Haemodynamic variables such as heart rate and blood pressure were documented after every-2-mints until birth and every 5-minutes thereafter. The neonatal score was measured using the 1- and 5-minute Apgar scale and the pH value of the neonatal blood in the umbilical cord. Results: There were no differences in the treatment of hypotension among the 2 groups. The bradycardia incidence was greater in the group of phenylephrine. The variances in Apgar score, birth weight and umbilical cord pH amid the 2 groups were not statistically significant. Conclusions: Ephedrine and phenylephrine are similarly operative in the treatment of hypotension during elective caesarean section given spinal anesthesia. No statical variance in the occurrence of true fetal acidosis between the two vasopressors was noticed. Both groups have good neonatal outcome. Key words: Fetal acidosis, ephedrine, phenylephrine, hypotension and spinal anesthesia.