COMPARISON OF 0.5% AND 0.75% HYPERBARIC BUPIVACAINE GIVEN INTRATHECALLY IN ELECTIVE LOWER SEGMENT CAESAREAN SECTION

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effects on hemodynamic stability, level of block, patient’s comfort, nausea and vomiting using 0.5% and 0.75% hyperbaric bupivacaine in lower segment caesarean section. METHODS: A total of 100 patients, having American Society of Anesthesiology status I/II, aged 20 to 40 years, scheduled for elective lower segment caesarean section were selected through consecutive non-probability sampling technique. Patients were randomly allocated by lottery method to either the group I (n=50) to whom 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine was given or group II (n=50) to which 0.75% hyperbaric bupivacaine was administered. Hemodynamic parameters were noted 03 minutes apart for first 30 minutes. Block level was confirmed to cold using ethyl chloride spray. Pain, uneasiness, nausea and vomiting were also noted. Student t-test and Chi square tests were applied where appropriate. RESULTS: Both groups were comparable in terms of age, weight, height and duration of surgery. There was no significant difference between heart rate, fall in blood pressure in both the groups. Block level at T4 level was observed in 78% 50% in group I II respectively and at T6 level in 22% 50% in group I II respectively (p 0.05). Uneasiness/ discomfort (48%) and nausea/vomiting (34%) were observed in group II only (p 0.05). CONCLUSION: Hemodynamic parameters in both groups showed no significant difference. However, patients administered with 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine for lower segment caesarean section showed more appropriate levels of block, less incidence of nausea and vomiting, and more patient comfort as compared to 0.75% hyperbaric bupivacaine.