Comparative Effects of Crystalloid Preload vs. Crystalloid Coload on Post-Spinal Hypotension in Patients Undergoing Cesarean Section

Abstract

This study investigates the comparative effects of crystalloid preload and crystalloid coload on post-spinal hypotension in patients undergoing elective cesarean sections. Postoperative hypotension is a common complication associated with spinal anesthesia, leading to adverse maternal and fetal outcomes.
In this prospective, randomized controlled trial, we enrolled 100 patients scheduled for elective cesarean delivery under spinal anesthesia. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either crystalloid preload (group A) or crystalloid coload (group B) prior to spinal anesthesia. We measured intraoperative blood pressure, heart rate, and incidence of hypotension, defined as a decrease of 20% from baseline systolic blood pressure.

Results indicated that patients in the preload group experienced significantly higher rates of hypotension compared to the coload group (p < 0.05). The mean arterial pressure was more stable in the coload group, and the incidence of hypotensive episodes was lower. Additionally, recovery times and fluid requirements were similar between both groups.

In conclusion, crystalloid coload appears to be more effective than crystalloid preload in preventing post- spinal hypotension during elective cesarean sections, suggesting a need for revised fluid management strategies in this population.
Keywords: spinal anesthesia, crystalloid preload, crystalloid coload, cesarean section, post-spinal hypotension