Hypotension during epidural anaesthesia for Caesarean section. A comparison of intravenous loading with crystalloid and colloid solutions.

The incidence of hypotension occurring in women undergoing elective Caesarean section with epidural anaesthesia was investigated in 20 patients receiving an intravenous preload of 1 litre of Hartmann's solution and in 20 patients receiving 0.5 litre of polygelatin (Haemaccel) and 0.5 litre of Hartmann's solution. Hypotension occurred in 45% of the Hartmann's group but in only 5% of the polygelatin and Hartmann's group. An argument for the use of a 2-litre intravenous preload of crystalloid solution is offered to provide prophylaxis against hypotension occurring during Caesarean section under epidural anaesthesia.