[Haemodynamic alterations after epidural anaesthesia in geriatric patients (author's transl)]

In 22 elderly patients haemodynamic alterations after epidural anaesthesia with Carticain 2% (Ultracain) with epinephrine (1:200 000) were compared to those after Lidocaine 2% with epinephrine. There were no differences to be found in these agents, and a less pronounced depressing effect of Carticain on circulation could not be confirmed. Unlike young people elderly patients only develop slight and short rises of heart rate and cardiac output after epidural anaesthesia, which are not sufficient to compensate for the distinct fall of mean arterial pressure up to the 15th minute. In our study mean arterial pressure decreased to critical values which might lead to cerebral and coronary ischemia in these patients. Adequate prophylactic and therapeutic measures are discussed.