The effects of uterine size with or without abdominal obesity on spinal block level and vasopressor requirement in elective cesarean section: a prospective observational study

Abstract

Background/aim: Hypotension is a serious complication caused by spinal anesthesia that places both the mother and fetus at increasedrisk. We aimed to investigate the effects of uterine size with or without abdominal obesity on sensory block level of pregnant womenreceiving spinal anesthesia.Materials and methods: This study included 125 term parturients who underwent cesarean section. Motor and sensory blockcharacteristics, the distance between the symphysis pubis and the fundus (SPF), the distance between the symphysis pubis and thexiphoid (SPX), newborn and placental weights, adverse effects, and doses of ephedrine were recorded.Results: Sensory block level and ephedrine dose were significantly correlated with the SPX and the combined newborn and placentaweights (P < 0.05). The incidence of hypotension was related to the SPX and the combined newborn and placenta weight (P < 0.05).There was no correlation between the SPF and sensory block level or ephedrine dose. The sensory block level was higher for patientswho had greater SPX values and higher combined newborn and placenta weights. The incidence of hypotension and the ephedrine dosewere also higher in these subjects.Conclusion: SPX values and combined newborn and placenta weights are more predictive of sensory block level than SPF values inparturients receiving spinal anesthesia.