EFFICACY OF SINGLE PROPHYLACTIC DOSE (9MG) OF EPHEDRINE TO PREVENT HYPOTENSION IN PATIENTS DURING SPINAL ANAESTHESIA

Abstract

Objective: The aim of the study was to assess the efficacy of single prophylactic dose (9mg) of ephedrine given to prevent hypotension in patients during spinal anaesthesia. This study was conducted at Anaesthesia Department of J.L.N.M.C .H from August 2019 to August 2020.

Material and methods: Sixty patients, who were to be operated under spinal anaesthesia, for lower abdominal general surgery, obstetric-gynecological and lower limb orthopedic surgery, were divided into two groups. Group A (n=30) received Ringer’s lactate solution 15 ml/kg as preload and group B (n=30) received Ringer’s lactate solution 15 ml/kg as preload along with single prophylactic dose of injection ephedrine 9 mg intravenously which was given after administering spinal anaesthesia. Various parameters of the patients were recorded and the comparison was made between groups A and group B. Heart rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressures and oxygen saturation were monitored at 5 minutes interval till the completion of surgery.

Results: Out of 60 patients 32 were males and 28 were females. 38 patients belonged to American Society of Anesthesiologist (ASA)-1 and 22 patients belonged to ASA II. In group A the average age of the patients was 26.44±6.8 years while in group B; it was 24.56±3.8 years. There were no significant statistical differences for age, weight and height of the patients between two groups. The changes in heart rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressures were compared between groups, after taking baseline readings, at 5 minutes interval till the end of surgery. The base line readings were not significantly different statistically but subsequent readings showed significantly low incidence of hypotension in group B as compared to group A.

Conclusion: Administration of single prophylactic dose (9mg) of ephedrine prevents hypotension in patients during spinal anaesthesia

Keywords: Blood Pressure, Ephedrine, Heart Rate, Spinal Anaesthesia.