Prophylactic ephedrine during spinal anaesthesia: double-blind study in patients in ASA groups I-III.
Forty-eight patients scheduled to undergo spinal anaesthesia were allocated to three groups of 16 each according to ASA classification I-II-III. Each patient received a fluid load of 7 ml kg-1 and either ephedrine 12.5 mg i.v. and 37.5 mg i.m., or placebo. Twelve patients in the placebo groups developed a maximal decrease in mean arterial pressure exceeding 20%. Five of these (one in ASA II and four in ASA III) developed a decrease exceeding 33% and required treatment. In ASA risk group III, all patients in the placebo group had a decrease in mean arterial pressure exceeding 20%; in 50% of these patients, the decrease exceeded 33%. We conclude that prophylactic ephedrine is desirable for spinal anaesthesia, especially in ASA III patients.
Hemmingsen
C
C
Department of Anaesthesiology, Holbaek Central Hospital, Denmark.
Poulsen
J A
JA
Risbo
A
A
D000775:Anesthesia, Spinal / Q000009:adverse effects; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000187:drug effects; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004341:Drug Evaluation; D004809:Ephedrine / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D007022:Hypotension / Q000517:prevention & control; D007431:Intraoperative Complications / Q000517:prevention & control; D011292:Premedication; D012307:Risk Factors; D012720:Severity of Illness Index
D004809:Ephedrine