Abstract

 

Objectives: In this study, we aimed to compare the effects of intrathecal bupivacaine-fentanyl and bupivacainemorphine

on ephedrine requirements and on health status of fetus.

Methods: We enrolled 54 cases undergoing elective cesarean section in this study. Ringer’s lactate was infused to all patients at a rate of 10-12 mL kg-1 preoperatively and 8-10 mL kg hr-1 during operation. Spinal anesthesia was achieved with 2 mL of bupivacaine %0.5 in Group I (n=18), with 1.5 mL of bupivacaine %0.5 + 0.5 mL fentanyl, 25 μg, in Group II (n=18) and with 1.5 mL of bupivacaine %0.5 + 0.5 mL morphine, 0.1 mg, in Group III (n=18). After spinal anesthesia, ephedrine infusion was given following a bolus dose of 5 mg ephedrine, to maintain arterial

pressure during the operation at the level of 80-110% of the basal value.

Results: We found that total ephedrine requirements during operation was 58.4±25.4 mg in Group I, 46.3±22.3 mg in Group II and 38.6±16.3 mg in Group III. The total amount of ephedrine administered in Group III was found to be significantly lower than that in Group I (p