Perfusion Index Derived From a Pulse Oximeter Can Predict the Incidence of Hypotension Following Spinal Anaesthesia in Lower Segment Caesarean Section: A Prospective, Double Blind, Observational Study

Abstract

Background And Aims: Hypotension is commonly associated side effect with Subarachnoid block (SAB) and it is widely used technique for parturients undergoing lower segment caesarean section (LSCS). Hypotension is detrimental to both mother and baby so prophylactic measures are essential to prevent it. So this study was conducted to use perfusion index as a predictive non-invasive measure of hypotension in parturients posted for LSCS under SAB. Materials And Methods: After obtaining written and informed consent, this prospective, double blind, observational study was carried out in 100 term pregnant females aged 20-40 years and were devided in two groups (50 in each) based on baseline PI, PI values ≤3.5 were in Group I and PI values >3.5 in Group II. All parturients were given inj. bupivacaine 0.5% Heavy 2 ml (10 mg) in SAB. Incidence of hypotension and other parameters, requirement of rescue drug and uids were recorded. Results: In Group I (PI≤3.5) incidence of hypotension (8 vs 40, P=0.00), requirement of rescue drug (mephentermine) per parturient (1.92±4.92 vs 8.4±5.6, P=0.00) and Fluid requirement (ml) per parturient (1243.20±115.24 vs 1381.60±110.79, P=0.00) were signicantly less as compared to Group II (PI>3.5). (p<0.05) Conclusion: Parturients with PI>3.5 are at higher risk of developing hypotension after subarachnoid block and requirement of vasopressors and uid is more as compared to those parturients with PI≤3.5.