Hypotension during epidural anaesthesia for Caesarean section. A comparison of intravenous loading with crystalloid...

The incidence of hypotension occurring in women undergoing elective Caesarean section with epidural anaesthesia was investigated in 20 patients receiving an intravenous preload of 1 litre of Hartmann's solution and in 20 patients receiving 0.5 litre of polygelatin (Haemaccel) and 0.5 litre of Hartmann's solution. Hypotension occurred in 45% of the Hartmann's group but in only 5% of the polygelatin and Hartmann's group. An argument for the use of a 2-litre intravenous preload of crystalloid solution is offered to provide prophylaxis against hypotension occurring during Caesarean section under epidural anaesthesia.