An observational study in Cesarean Section Complications, sponsored by Ciusss de L'Est de l'Île de Montréal. Completed at 1 site in Canada. Open to female participants, including healthy volunteers. Per ClinicalTrials.gov, last updated 2021-04-14.
Sponsored by Ciusss de L'Est de l'Île de Montréal · Observational
Aortocaval compression by the gravid uterus during the third trimester contributes to decreased venous return to the heart. Neuraxial anesthesia reinforces this hypotension by causing a vasodilatation and venous pooling of blood in the lower limbs. The current practice is to tilt the parturient 15 degrees on the operating table after neuraxial anesthesia in order to decrease this hypotension. Recent meta-analysis suggests there is no conclusive evidence to support the tilt position. The goal of our study is to compare ultrasound vena cava variation measurements in the supine versus the tilt position in third trimester parturients undergoing elective cesarean delivery.
Cesarean delivery (CD) is one of the most currently practiced surgeries in the world. In 2013, surgical deliveries represented 32.4% of births in the United States and 26.9% in Canada. Maternal hypotension is a frequent adverse event during CD under spinal anesthesia and can be detrimental to the fetus and mother. Many means have been studied to decrease the incidence of hypotension in this context such as crystalloid/colloid pre-loading and co-loading, vasopressors, and positioning.
Aortocaval compression of the inferior vena cava (IVC) by the gravid uterus is a major contributor to this hypotension and many positions on the operating table have been researched to decrease its influence.Current recommendations for term women undergoing cesarean delivery include left lateral 15 degree tilt in order to reduce aortocaval compression which may cause maternal hypotension and fetal compromise. However, a recent meta-analysis did not show conclusive evidence to favour the tilted versus the supine position. This is probably due to a compensatory mechanism involving venoconstriction of the lower limbs, raising venous pressure and causing flow through collateral channels. Supine hypotensive syndrome with clinically significant effects occurs in 8-10% of women at term, possibly due to less compensatory mechanisms.
Respiratory variations of the IVC diameter measured by an ultrasound may determine the best position on the operating table for term parturients during cesarean delivery. Large variations of IVC diameter during expiration and inspiration have been shown to be related to hypotension in non-pregnant patients.
The primary objective of our project is to compare the collapsibility index of the inferior vena cava during elective cesarean delivery after the administration of spinal anesthesia with a phenylephrine infusion. Each participant will be their own control.
20 patients scheduled for elective cesarean delivery will be included. Each participant will be her own control for the ultrasound measurements of the inferior vena cava, with and without a tilt before and after spinal anesthesia with a phenylephrine infusion. A transcutaneous oximetry monitor (NIRS) will be used in order to measure the upper versus lower body saturation difference. The newborn Apgar score and umbilical cord pH will be noted.
Third trimester parturients with a normal pregnancy and a planned cesarean delivery under spinal anesthesia
Exclusion Criteria:
Collapsibility index of the inferior vena cava after spinal anesthesia.
Comparison of the collapsibility index of the inferior vena cava with and without a tilt after spinal anesthesia.
Time frame: Day 0
Collapsibility index of the inferior vena cava before spinal anesthesia.
Comparison of the collapsibility index of the inferior vena cava with and without a tilt before spinal anesthesia.
Time frame: Day 0
Calf versus arm transcutaneous saturation
Comparison of the calf versus arm transcutaneous saturation values in the tilt versus supine positions before and after spinal anesthesia
Time frame: Day 0
Impact of the tilt versus no tilt positioning on the Apgar score
Comparison of the Apgar scores of the newborn in regards to the mother's position on the operating table during the C-section: tilt versus supine.
Time frame: 1 hour
Impact of the tilt versus no tilt positioning on the umbilical cord pH
Comparison of the umbilical cord pH of the newborn in regards to the mother's position on the operating table during the C-section: tilt versus supine.
Time frame: 1 month
Plan to share: No
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Ciusss de L'Est de l'Île de Montréal