Echocardiographic Evaluation of Cardiac Output During Cesarean Delivery Under Spinal Anesthesia Using Norepinephrine Versus Ephedrine: A Randomized Controlled Trial

What this Trial Is About

This research aims to evaluate the effects of two different vasopressor drugs, norepinephrine and ephedrine, on heart function during cesarean delivery under spinal anesthesia in healthy women with full-term singleton pregnancies. The study uses echocardiography to measure cardiac output and other hemodynamic variables, comparing the responses between the two drug groups. The trial is a randomized controlled study conducted by Mansoura University, focusing on key heart and blood pressure measurements during surgery. Participants receive spinal anesthesia using bupivacaine and fentanyl, followed by a crystalloid fluid infusion. They are randomly assigned to receive either intravenous norepinephrine or ephedrine boluses immediately after spinal anesthesia. Additional doses are given if blood pressure drops below set thresholds. Cesarean delivery is performed using a standard surgical technique, and heart function is monitored through transthoracic echocardiography at specific time points before and after delivery. Women in the study are closely monitored from the start of spinal anesthesia until delivery, with repeated heart rate, blood pressure, and cardiac output assessments. Researchers record episodes of low blood pressure, heart rate changes, and the need for additional vasopressors. Newborns' health is assessed by Apgar scores at 1 and 5 minutes after birth. The trial lasts through the cesarean delivery procedure, with detailed safety and effectiveness data collected during this period.

Hemodynamics During Cesarean Delivery Under Spinal Anesthesia With Norepinephrine Versus Ephedrine