Canadian Journal of Anesthesia, Vol 46, 1024-1029, Copyright © 1999 by Canadian Anesthesiologists' Society

ARTICLES

Preoperative dextrose does not affect spinal-induced hypotension in elective Cesarean section

D Wilson, J Douglas, R Heid and D Rurak
Department of Anaesthesia, BC Women's Hospital and Health Centre, Vancouver, Canada.

PURPOSE: To determine if preoperative intravenous dextrose affects the incidence and ease of treatment of spinal-induced hypotension in parturients having elective Cesarean section under spinal anesthesia. METHODS: In this prospective, double-blind study, following informed consent, 119 ASA I, II parturients for elective Cesarean section were randomized to receive intravenously either dextrose 5% in normal saline (Group D) or normal saline (Group NS) at 125 ml x hr(-1) for two hours prior to delivery. Following a bolus of 15 ml x kg(-1) normal saline iv, spinal anesthesia was induced with hyperbaric bupivacaine 0.75%, fentanyl and morphine. Hypotension (systolic blood pressure <100 mm Hg or >20% decrease) was treated with fluids and/or vasopressor. Data collected: demographics, blood glucose concentrations (fasting, time of spinal, delivery), blood pressure (baseline, one minute intervals from spinal to delivery), neonatal Apgar scores, umbilical blood gas analyses, glucose and lactate concentrations. RESULTS: There was no difference between the two groups in the rate of hypotension (P = 0.272). All parturients who experienced hypotension received fluids, and there was also no difference between the groups in vasopressor requirement [mean dose of ephedrine: Group D = 21.6 mg (95% CI 15.1-28.2), Group NS = 16 mg (95% CI 12.0-20.5)]. CONCLUSION: The routine administration of dextrose 5% at a rate of 5.22 g x hr(-1) preoperatively does not affect the hypotension rate, or make it easier to treat.