Comparison of Norepinephrine and Ephedrine on Hypotension After Spinal Anesthesia in Parturients

Comparison of Norepinephrine and Ephedrine on Hypotension After Spinal Anesthesia in Parturients Undergoing Cesarean Section: a Randomized Double Blinded Controlled Study

Incidence of hypotension is high in parturients after spinal anesthesia. Ephedrine could be used to treat hypotension but lead to lower fetal pH as well. This study is to compare the effects of norepinephrine and ephedrine on hypotension in parturients.

Spinal anesthesia is an accepted technique in elective cesarean sections. However, hypotension, resulted from sympathectomy is a common problem, especially in pregnant women. Prevention of this complication by sympathomimetic agents is of potential clinical significance. Ephedrine could be used to treat hypotension but lead to lower fetal pH, which may be related to worse fetal outcome.Norepinephrine could improve the hypotension to the same extent as phenylephrine. In this study, we tend to compare the effects of norepinephrine and ephedrine on hypotension in parturients and on fetal acid status.

The Apgar score is a method to quickly summarize the health of newborn children.It is determined by evaluating the newborn baby on five simple criteria(Appearance, Pulse, Grimace, Activity, Respiration) on a scale from zero to two, then summing up the five values thus obtained. The resulting Apgar score ranges from zero to 10. Scores 7 and above are generally normal; 4 to 6, fairly low; and 3 and below are generally regarded as critically low and cause for immediate resuscitative efforts

The Apgar score is a method to quickly summarize the health of newborn children.It is determined by evaluating the newborn baby on five simple criteria(Appearance, Pulse, Grimace, Activity, Respiration) on a scale from zero to two, then summing up the five values thus obtained. The resulting Apgar score ranges from zero to 10. Scores 7 and above are generally normal; 4 to 6, fairly low; and 3 and below are generally regarded as critically low and cause for immediate resuscitative efforts

Inclusion Criteria: Patients scheduled for elective cesarean section Exclusion Criteria: Patients with severe pre-eclampsia Patients with contraindications for spinal anesthesia Patients with multiple pregnancy Patients with gestation <38w

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