Prediction of Hypotension During Cesarean Delivery Using Positional Change of Hemodynamic Parameters

The investigators conducted a monocentric prospective observational study between January 2022 and June 2022, in the maternity unit of Mongi Slim University Hospital in Tunisia. The investigators aimed to have a population that is representative of all parturients scheduled for cesarean section, thereby they included American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I and II parturients aged 18 to 45 at term and scheduled for either elective cesarean section or emergency cesarean section (Lucas III-IV).

The investigators chose hypotension as the primary endpoint, defined as a decrease in SAP of more than 20% of the baseline values. Secondary endpoints included total dose of ephedrine, incidence of symptomatic hypotension defined as hypotension plus nausea and/or vomiting and/or dizziness, time to onset of hypotension, duration of hypotension, and the use of rescue bolus of norepinephrine.

The investigators tried to standardize the anesthetic management. Parturients were monitored with a three-lead electrocardiogram, non-invasive arterial pressure, pulse oximetry, and capnography through a facial mask. Baseline maternal hemodynamic parameters were measured 3 times at 1-minute interval in three different positions: consecutively sitting position, supine position, and left lateral tilt 15° position. Spinal anesthesia was performed in the sitting position in the L3-L4 or L4-L5 vertebral interspace. Patients received doses of local anesthetic weighted to their height. Patients were co-loaded with an infusion of normal saline using a pressurized bad. Hypotension was treated with IV bolus of ephedrine in increments of 6 mg. If hypotension persisted or reoccurred after the patient had already received 60 mg of ephedrine, The investigators resorted to rescue bolus of norepinephrine in increments of 5 µg. After child delivery, patients received a standard dose of 10 IU of oxytocin, additional doses were added if the obstetrician requested it.

The investigators collected data regarding demographic characteristics, obstetric characteristic, anesthetic management, and details about the hypotensive event.

Inclusion criteria

• American society of anesthesiologists' (ASA) physical status of II-III.
• Full-term pregnancy.
• Elective cesarean section.
• Emergency cesarean section (Lucas III-IV).

Exclusion criteria

• Emergency cesarean section (Lucas I-II).
• Cesarean section under epidural anesthesia.
• Patients with abnormal placentation.
• Patients with contraindication for spinal anesthesia.
• Patients with personal medical history of cardiac arrythmias or valvular heart disease.
• Patients on beta-blockers.
• Failed spinal anesthesia.
• Conversion to general anesthesia.
• Postpartum hemorrhage.