Dicrotic notch and hypotension at caesarean under spinal anaesthesia.
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Analysis of changes in the pulse oximeter waveform and blood pressure during spinal anaesthesia for caesarean section: an observational study.
IRAS ID
105755
Contact name
IJ Wrench
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
BACKGROUND:
When a baby is delivered by caesarean section usually a spinal anaesthetic is given where local anaesthetic is injected into the spinal fluid to make the woman numb from her chest to her feet. A spinal anaesthetic commonly causes low blood which may make the mother feel unwell and cause stress to the unborn baby.Blood pressure is measured intermittently using a cuff around the upper arm and so may fail to detect low blood pressure promptly. A pulse oximeter is also used which detects the pulse rate and how much oxygen there is in the blood and produces an image of the pulse wave in the finger. In a previous small study we found that the shape of the pulse wave changed as blood pressure fell. In this larger study we will download the electronic data that make up the pulse oximeter waveform to better analyse the changes that occur.
AIMS:
Our aim is to observe changes in the shape of the pulse oximeter waveform during spinal anaesthesia for caesarean section and relate these to the occurrence of low blood pressure.
METHODOLOGY:
20 women undergoing caesarean section under spinal anaesthesia will be recruited. The electronic data which describe the pulse oximeter waveform will be recorded along with details of blood pressure and heart rate. The management of the case will not be altered by inclusion in the study.
EXPECTED OUTCOMES:
1. To establish the best way to evaluate changes in the pulse oximeter waveform.
2. To establish if changes in the pulse oximeter waveform could be used to detect falling blood pressure during spinal anaesthesia for caesarean section.
IMPLICATIONS:
It will be possible to anticipate and avert low blood pressure during spinal anaesthesia for caesarean section by analyzing the pulse oximeter waveform.REC name
North East - York Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
15/NE/0160
Date of REC Opinion
23 Apr 2015
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion