A Prospective Study to Identify the Risk Factors for Hypotension After Spinal Anaesthesia in Patients Undergoing Caesarean Section

Abstract

BACKGROUND Most commonly used technique of anesthesia for caesarean section is spinal anesthesia and its most common side effect is hypotension. The aim of the study was to identify risk factors for developing hypotension after spinal anesthesia in patients undergoing caesarean section. METHODS A total of 12 variables were studied for correlation with hypotension following spinal anaesthesia. Each of the variables was divided into categories and Chi-square test was used to assess this association in a univariable analysis. p-Value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Multivariable analysis via multiple logistic regression was employed to determine the effect of each independent variable. RESULTS Incidence of hypotension was found out to be 61.5%. Sensory block height of T4 (as compared with T6) was identified as a strong risk factor. Age >35 years was found to be a negative risk factor in a small number of participants. CONCLUSIONS The incidence of hypotension after spinal anaesthesia is high in patients undergoing caesarean section. A high sensory block (T4) is a strong risk factor for developing hypotension. As there are many factors playing a role in spinal hypotension, no other single factor was found to be responsible for hypotension in the present study.