IJSR International Journal of Scientific Research 2277 - 8179 Indian Society for Health and Advanced Research ijsr-6-5-10788 Original Research Paper FETAL EFFECTS OF PHENYLEPHRINE AND EPHEDRINE DURING SPINAL ANAESTHESIA FOR CAESAREAN SECTION. Dr. May 2017 6 5 01 02 ABSTRACT

 Introduction: Spinal anaesthesia is the choice of anaesthesia for caesarean section because of its faster onset, good analgesia, lesser airway manipulations, avoidance of polypharmacy. But it is also associated with side effects, hypotension being the most common which occurs in 80% of the patients. Hypotension has deleterious effects on both the mother and the foetus. To prevent this, using vasopressors like Ephedrine and phenylephrine is an effective method. But studies were done comparing the efficacies of both the drugs and their side effects on the mother and foetus. This is a study on comparision of ephedrine and phenylephrine, when administered prophylactically to prevent spinal induced hypotension and its effect on the foetus. Methods: A total of 60 patients belonging to ASA I were randomised into two groups receiving bolus of phenylephrine (100 mcg) and ephedrine (5 mg) prophylactically after the administration of spinal anaesthesia. Maternal systolic blood pressure was maintained at near baseline values by administration of boluses during the episodes of hypotension (SBP <80% of the baseline SBP). At delivery, APGAR scores and umbilical arterial and venous blood gases and lactate levels were measured. Results: The study concluded that both phenylephrine and ephedrine had similar effect on the acid base status of the foetus. Conclusion: Both phenylephrine and ephedrine can be used in treatment of maternal hypotension in spinal anaesthesia without causing adverse effect on the foetus.