Efficacy of Variable Doses of Prophylactic Intravenous Ondansetron in Attenuating Spinal Induced Hypotension in Parturients Undergoing Caesarean Delivery: A Randomised Control Trial

Introduction Spinal anaesthesia is frequently associated with adverse effects like maternal hypotension and bradycardia. This effect is due to a decrease in systemic vascular resistance, a decrease in central venous pressure or Bezold-Jarisch Reflex (mediated by 5-HT3 receptors). We aimed to measure the effect of three different doses of prophylactic intravenous ondansetron (5-HT3 antagonists) with a placebo on maternal haemodynamics. Methods A prospective randomised control study was done over 240 parturients, aged 19-35 years. They were randomly allocated into four groups (n=60) Group O4, Group O6, Group O8 and Group S to receive either intravenous ondansetron 4 mg, 6 mg, 8 mg or 0.9% normal saline respectively. Haemodynamic variables (systolic blood pressure [SBP], diastolic blood pressure [DBP], mean arterial pressure [MAP], heart rate [HR]) were recorded at 2-minute intervals for the first 20 minutes and at 5-minute intervals for further 30 minutes. Results A significant decrease in haemodynamic parameters was observed in group S when compared with ondansetron groups at various time intervals (p<0.05). The difference was most significant in groups O6 and O8. Development of nausea and vomiting was significantly higher in Group S compared to ondansetron groups (p< 0.005). The requirement for ephedrine was more in Group S in comparison to ondansetron groups (p<0.0001). Conclusion All three groups of ondansetron showed a decrease in the incidence of hypotension and use of vasopressor but Group O6 and O8 were more effective in attenuating spinal-induced hypotension in parturients undergoing caesarean section.