Epidural block with ropivacaine and bupivacaine for elective caesarean section: maternal cardiovascular parameters, comfort and neonatal well-being*

SUMMARYObjective: To determine cardiovascular effects and neonatal outcome of ropivacaine 0.75% and bupivacaine 0.5% for elective epidural caesarean section.Research design and methods: Healthy pregnant women, scheduled for elective caesarean section, were enrolled in this randomised, double-blind study. Epidural block was obtained with 20-30 ml of ropivacaine 0.75% (Group R) or bupivacaine 0.5% (Group B) and surgery did not commence until anaesthesia was achieved bilaterally to T6.Main outcome measures: Maternal heart rate and blood pressure were assessed before the main dose of local anaesthetic and at 5-minintervals until 35 min. Neonatal umbilical pH and Apgar scores were determined after delivery. Ten, twenty and thirty minutes after the main dose, sensory and motor block characteristics were determined. Quality of analgesia was assessed by the anaesthetist, surgeon and the patient. Adverse events were recorded.Results: Sixty-two patients were enrolled and the data of 60 of them were eligible for ana...