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[Hypothermia after spinal anaesthesia: implication of morphine?]
M O Fischer1, P-M Dequiré, A Kalem
1Département d'anesthésie-réanimation chirurgicale, Samu, CHU de Côte-de-Nacre, Caen, France. marcolivierfischer@yahoo.fr
Annales Francaises D'Anesthesie Et De Reanimation
|December 27, 2005
Summary
Severe hypothermia occurred after spinal anesthesia for cesarean delivery. This adverse effect may result from bupivacaine-induced vasodilation and intrathecal morphine
Area of Science:
- Anesthesiology
- Obstetrics
Background:
- Spinal anesthesia is the preferred method for elective cesarean sections.
- Adverse effects, including hypothermia, can occur with spinal anesthesia.
Observation:
- A severe case of hypothermia (33.3°C) was observed post-spinal anesthesia.
- The anesthesia involved bupivacaine (10 mg) and morphine (100 µg).
Findings:
- Hypothermia was attributed to peripheral vasodilation from local anesthetics and central effects of intrathecal morphine.
- Other causes of hypothermia were ruled out.
Implications:
- Monitoring central body temperature and active warming are recommended for patients receiving spinal morphine.
- Naloxone has been suggested as a potential treatment for morphine-induced hypothermia.