Prospective randomized double blinded comparative study on the effects of ephedrine and phenylephrine on fetal outcome and their effects on hypotension during elective cesarean section

Introduction: Hemodynamic instability during pregnancy may compromise the blood flow to the uteroplacental bed which may lead fetal acidosis. We compared ephedrine and phenylephrine on fetal outcome and hypotension during elective cesarean section. Aim: To compare the effectiveness of ephedrine versus phenylephrine in fetal outcome and the treatment of fall in blood pressure during subarachnoid block for elective cesarean section. Materials and Methods: Study Design: Prospective, randomized, double blind. Based on inclusion and exclusion criteria 50 patients were selected and divided into two equal groups. All patients were done under subarachnoid block as per routine in our hospital. Group E received Ephedrine 6mg if >20% fall in the heart rate and systolic blood pressure from the baseline. Group P received phenylephrine 20mcg as increments if>20% fall in the heart rate and systolic blood pressure from the baseline. Results: Both the groups were comparable with regard to the fetal outcome (Apgar score and fetal umbilical vein ABG). Nylephrine group showed statistically significant fall in heart rate and systolic blood pressure when compared to the Ephedrine group during the first 20minutes. After 25th minute both the drugs were comparable. Conclusion: Both the drugs were comparable with respect to the fetal outcome and maternal hemodynamics in patients undergoing elective cesarean section under subarachnoid block.