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Increase in skin temperature after spinal anesthesia in infants
Martin Jetzek-Zader1, Henning Hermanns, Rainer Freynhagen
1Department of Anesthesiology, University of Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany.
Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine
|December 2, 2006
Summary
Infants undergoing spinal anesthesia showed increased foot skin temperature, indicating sympathetic blockade (sympatholysis). Blood pressure decreased but remained stable, suggesting a safe hemodynamic profile in pediatric patients.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Anesthesiology
- Autonomic Nervous System Physiology
Background:
- Infant hemodynamics during spinal anesthesia are generally stable, attributed to a less active sympathetic nervous system compared to adults.
- Assessing sympathetic block in infants is crucial for understanding anesthetic effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the sympathetic block in infants receiving spinal anesthesia.
- To use skin temperature and blood pressure as indicators of sympatholysis.
Main Methods:
- 15 infants (45.0 +/- 4.8 weeks postconceptual age) undergoing inguinal hernia repair were studied.
- Skin temperature (T4 and plantar foot) and noninvasive blood pressure were measured before and after spinal anesthesia.
- Spinal anesthesia was induced using 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine with adrenaline.
Main Results:
- Plantar foot skin temperature significantly increased within 10-20 minutes post-anesthesia (P < .0001).
- Thorax skin temperature remained constant.
- Blood pressure decreased but stayed within normal limits (P < .01).
Conclusions:
- A significant rise in foot skin temperature indicates sympatholysis in infants after spinal anesthesia.
- Hemodynamic stability is maintained despite observed sympatholysis, with blood pressure remaining within normal ranges.
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