Comparison of Hemodynamic Changes and Their Management Following Subarachnoid Block Between Normotensive and Preeclamptic Women Undergoing Cesarean Section

Abstract

Introduction. Spinal anesthesia (SA) is widely used for cesarean sections, yet its safety in preeclamptic patients remains uncertain. This study explores the use of subarachnoid block (SAB) in preeclamptic parturients during cesarean sections. Patients and Methods. This study was a single-center hospital-based controlled clinical trial. 30 normotensive and 30 preeclamptic women undergoing cesarean section were included in the study. Heart rate, systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) and SpO2 were evaluated at one, three, five, seven, nine, 11, 13, 15, 20, 25, 30, 40, 45, 50, 55 and 60 minutes intervals after giving the block. The independent samples t-test was used for statistical analysis. Results. In the normotensive (group N) vs. preeclamptic (group PE) comparison, significant differences in weight, SBP, DBP, and MAP were noted, with higher values in group PE (p<0.05). Heart rates and oxygen saturation were comparable. Mephentermine consumption was notably higher in normotensive women compared to preeclamptic women (p<0.001). Conclusion. Severe preeclamptic women exhibit significantly higher SBP, DBP, and MAP compared to normotensive women undergoing cesarean section following subarachnoid block. However, SAB does not impact heart rate and oxygen saturation. Importantly, hypotension following spinal anesthesia is less common in severe preeclamptic patients, indicating its potential safety in this group.

Keywords

• spinal anesthesia
• pregnancy-induced hypertension
• subarachnoid block
• mephentermine