Spread of subarachnoid sensory block with hyperbaric bupivacaine in second trimester of pregnancy.

STUDY OBJECTIVE

To compare the spread of subarachnoid sensory block with hyperbaric bupivacaine in second trimester pregnant and non-pregnant women.

DESIGN

Prospective study.

SETTING

University teaching hospital.

PATIENTS

44 ASA physical status I and II women patients, 22 of whom were in their second trimester of pregnancy undergoing cervical cerclage, and 22 non-pregnant women scheduled for perianal surgery.

INTERVENTIONS

The extent of sensory block and hemodynamic changes were assessed.

MEASUREMENTS

Number of dermatomes blocked was determined by testing for pinprick; systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and heart rate (HR) were measured at 3, 5, 10, 15, 30 and 60 minutes.

MAIN RESULTS

Maximal sensory block was higher in the second trimester of the pregnant group by three dermatomes than the non-pregnant group. There were no statistically significant differences in SBP, DBP, or HR changes between the groups.

CONCLUSION

Pregnant women in the second trimester exhibit enhanced spread of spinal analgesia with hyperbaric bupivacaine more so than non-pregnant women.