Background and Objective: Obesity is a global health problem with an increasing prevalence which affects different medical and health care domains including anesthesia. The present study was carried out to answer the question of which anesthesia technique is proper in obese parturients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of obesity on blood pressure reduction, amount and dose of ephedrine, and sensory level duration of spinal technique for cesarean section.
Materials and Methods: In this cohort study the treatment group consisted of 40 expectant women with body mass index (BMI) of over 30, and the control group comprised of 40 expectant women with BMI of under 30, who were all candidate for elective cesarean section: In both groups 70 mg of Lidocaine was injected into spinal cord from L4-L5 space. Then the mean blood pressure, the amount and dose of ephedrine, sensory level of block and duration of spinal technique were measured. The collected data was compared by statistical tests.
Results: There was no statistical different in mean blood pressure reduction and sensory level of block between the two groups. Duration of spinal tap, amount and number of ephedrine injection were higher in obese cases. Relative risk of receiving two or more times of ephedrine was 1.63 times higher in obese expectant women than in normal women.
Conclusion: Spinal anesthesia is an appropriate method for cesarean section in obese expectant women and blood pressure reduction can easily be controlled by ephedrine.