Comparative Study of Prophylactic Intravenous Ondansetron in the Attenuation of Post Spinal Hypotension versus Dexamethasone in Parturient undergoing Caesarean Delivery

Abstract

Background: Spinal anaesthesia (SA) is the preferred anaesthesia technique for Caesarean section. Hypotension and bradycardia are the most common side effects encountered and are more pronounced in pregnant patients, the incidence being as high as 52.6% and 2.5% in normal patients. The occurrence of hypotension can be dangerous as it compromises placental circulation and can have a detrimental effect on the foetus. Objectives: The purpose of this study is to assess the efficacy of ondansetron versus dexamethasone in decreasing incidence of spinal induced hypotension in parturient undergoing cesarean surgery. Patients and Methods: This study was conducted at Ain Shams University Hospitals between March 2019 till September 2019. After approval is obtained from the research ethics committee of faculty of medicine, Ain Shams University & patients’ informed consents consent from each patient after full explanation of the procedure possible side effects and complications., 75 healthy parturient, (ASA)physical status I and II undergoing elective cesarean delivery under spinal anesthesia. Results: 8 mg ondansetron is more effective than 8 mg dexamethasone in the attenuation of post spinal hypotension. Also, that Dexamethasone 8 mg was as effective as ondansetron 8 mg in providing a simple, safe, cheap, and effective intra and postoperative nausea and emesis prevention method with the advantage of being cheaper decreasing the economic burden. Conclusion: The present study demonstrated that, among patients who received spinal anesthesia with bupivacaine and fentanyl as adjuvant for elective for cesarean section, prophylactic intravenous 8 mg ondansetron compared to dexamethasone significantly decreases hypotension, HR fluctuation, yet the need for rescue doses for ephedrine were significantly higher in ondansetron.