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Incidence of Spinal Anesthesia Induced Severe Hypotension among the Pregnant Women Undergoing Cesarean Section at Muhima Hospital


Thomas Munyanziza

Abstract

Background
The spinal induced severe hypotension is frequently reported during cesarean section; the literature counts 70% of severe hypotension following spinal anesthesia for cesarean section. This complication is thought to be serious and even fatal, when not well managed; however, in Rwanda, we have a limited data about that spinal induced life-threatening complication.
Objectives
To determine the incidence and factors associated with spinal anesthesia induced severe hypotension during caesarian section at Muhima hospital.
Methodology
The study was cross-sectional, descriptive and analytical in design. The study population was the pregnant women scheduled for cesarean section, and a sample size of 108 was used. A self-developed questionnaire was used as data collection tool.
Results
Forty percent of participants’ experienced spinal anesthesia induced severe hypotension; while preloading, left tilt position and infusion of ephedrine, were associated with lower incidence of severe hypotension.
Conclusion
The incidence of spinal induced severe hypotension is high, however, preloading; left lateral position and co-infusion of ephedrine were found to protect the participants from spinal induced severe hypotension. Therefore, these techniques should be promoted.


Rwanda J Med Health Sci 2022;5(1):62-70


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eISSN: 2616-9827
print ISSN: 2616-9819