Comparison of hemodynamic changes and fetal outcome between normotensive and preeclamptic parturient undergoing elective cesarean section under spinal anesthesia: A prospective observational cohort study

BACKGROUND: Maternal hypotension is a common problem during spinal anesthesia resulting in adverse maternal and fetal outcomes. According to theoretical knowledge, it is more common in severe preeclamptic parturients undergoing cesarean section with spinal anesthesia. OBJECTIVE: To compare fetomother outcome in normotensive and severe preeclamptic parturients undergoing elective cesarean section under spinal anesthesia. METHODOLOGY: A prospective cohort study was conducted from Novembers to May 30, 2019 on 84 ASA II and III pregnant mothers. After preloading with 500 ml–1000ml crystalloids, a 0.5%isobaric bupivacaine of 10 mg–12.5 mg was administered for spinal anesthesia. Vital signs (SBP, DBP, MAP and HR) were recorded every 3 min till 30 min, every 5 min then after. Neonatal Apgar scores at one and 5 min after birth and intraoperative fluids consumption were recorded. Data distribution was checked by Shapiro walk's test. Chi-square test was used to calculate the incidence of hypotension between groups; both paired and unpaired t-tests were also used to calculate the percent fall in blood pressure and heart rate from baselines of each group and intergroup respectively, and P-value less than 0.05 were considered statistical significance. RESULTS: The incidence of hypotension (over a period of 30 min after spinal anesthesia) in the preeclamptic patients (31%) was less than that of the healthy parturients (59.5%). There was no statistically significant difference in heart rate of both groups before and after induction of spinal anesthesia. The 5th minute Apgar score recordings were also comparable between the groups. CONCLUSION: This study showed that the incidence and magnitude of spinal anesthesia-induced hypotension was less in severely preeclamptic parturient than healthy parturient who underwent elective cesarean delivery under spinal anesthesia and fetal outcome was comparable.