Given the clinical importance of maternal hypotension, the potential advantages of sequential spinal dosing warrant formal evaluation in a prospective, adequately powered randomized controlled trial. We therefore designed this study to compare the incidence of post-spinal hypotension between the classic single-shot spinal and the sequential fractionated spinal techniques in elective cesarean delivery.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
PREVENTION
Masking
DOUBLE
Enrollment
94
In the classic group, patients will receive a total intrathecal dose of 12.5 mg hyperbaric bupivacaine 0.5% (2.5 mL) combined with fentanyl 20 µg, administered as a single injection. Immediately after completion of the injection, the patient will be positioned supine with a 15° left lateral tilt to minimize aortocaval compression and facilitate uniform spread of the anesthetic solution.
In the sequential (fractionated) group, patients will receive the intrathecal dose in two fractions. While in the sitting position, the first fraction consisting of 7.5 mg (1.5 mL) of hyperbaric bupivacaine 0.5% combined with fentanyl 15 µg will be administered. After waiting for 60 seconds, the remaining 5 mg (1 mL) of hyperbaric bupivacaine and an additional 5 µg of fentanyl will be injected, either through the same intrathecal needle (if kept in place) or following careful reinsertion according to institutional practice. Immediately after completing the injection, the patient will be positioned supine with a 15° left lateral tilt to optimize maternal hemodynamics and ensure even distribution of the anesthetic solution.
Al-Azhar University
Cairo, Egypt, Egypt
Incidence of post-spinal hypotension
Occurrence of maternal hypotension within 15 minutes after intrathecal injection, defined as a systolic blood pressure (SBP) decrease greater than 20% from baseline or an absolute SBP below 90 mmHg. This outcome directly measures the hemodynamic stability achieved by each spinal technique.
Time frame: Assessed during the first 15 minutes after the intrathecal injection.
Time to first hypotensive episode
The interval between the time of intrathecal injection and the first recorded episode of hypotension. This reflects how long each technique maintains stable blood pressure before any drop occurs.
Time frame: Measured continuously for 15 minutes following the intrathecal injection.
Number of hypotensive episodes
The total count of discrete hypotensive events occurring within the observation period after spinal anesthesia. This indicates the frequency and severity of blood pressure fluctuations.
Time frame: Assessed within 15 minutes after intrathecal injection.
Total vasopressor dose
The total amount of phenylephrine and/or ephedrine administered to correct hypotension during the observation period, serving as an indirect measure of hemodynamic stability.
Time frame: Assessed within 15 minutes after spinal administration.
Maximal sensory block level and time to T4
Determines the highest dermatomal sensory level achieved and the time required to reach the T4 level, indicating block quality and onset characteristics of the anesthetic technique. Maximal sensory block level is assessed by testing loss of sensation to cold or pinprick over the trunk in a cephalad-caudal direction and mapping the highest blocked dermatome (e.g., using an alcohol swab or pin along the midline and comparing to known dermatomal levels such as T4 at the nipple line). Time to T4 is measured as the interval in minutes from completion of intrathecal injection to the first assessment at which loss of sensation reaches the T4 dermatome, documented with the same stimulus and dermatomal map.
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Time frame: Evaluated from injection until block stabilization within 20 minutes.
Maternal nausea and vomiting
Incidence of intraoperative nausea or vomiting related to hypotension or anesthetic effect.
Time frame: Monitored intraoperatively up to delivery.
Maternal satisfaction
Maternal satisfaction will be evaluated using a 5-point Likert scale addressing analgesia adequacy, comfort, and overall anesthesia experience. Each participant will rate her satisfaction as follows: 1 for "very dissatisfied," indicating poor pain control and significant discomfort; 2 for "dissatisfied," reflecting partial relief with ongoing discomfort; 3 for "neutral," denoting acceptable but unremarkable pain relief; 4 for "satisfied," representing good pain control with minimal discomfort; and 5 for "very satisfied," indicating excellent analgesia and a fully positive anesthesia experience.
Time frame: Assessed after delivery before discharge from recovery.
Neonatal outcomes (Apgar scores and umbilical artery pH)
Measures neonatal wellbeing through 1-minute and 5-minute Apgar scores and umbilical artery blood pH to assess the effect of maternal hemodynamics on fetal oxygenation.
Time frame: Determined immediately after delivery (Apgar at 1 and 5 minutes; pH from cord sample at birth).