Magnitude and Associated Factors of Post Spinal Hypotension Among Pregnant Mothers Who Delivered by Elective Caesarean Section at Gandhi Memorial Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Introduction: Hypotension is a 20% to 30% reduction in baseline blood pressure. Infrequently, hypotension after spinal anesthesia can be significantly severe in pregnant mother and increases intraoperative and postoperative morbidity and mortality. Objectives: To assess magnitude and associated factors of post spinal hypotension among pregnant mothers who delivered by elective cesarean sections from January to February 2016 at Gandhi Memorial Hospital, Addis Ababa. Methods: Institution based cross sectional study design was conducted. All lists of pregnant mothers who gave birth by elective cesarean section under spinal anesthesia at Gandhi Memorial Hospital were included. Training was given for data collectors and supervisors. Regular supervision and follow up were made. Data was entered in to Epi info version 7 software and transported to SPSS version 20 for analysis. Odd ratio and 95% confidence interval was computed. Bivariate and Multivariate analysis used to identify factors associated with hypotension. Results: The study was conducted on 60 study participants. 24 (40%) were equally found between 25-29 years and 30-34 years. The incidence of hypotension was 80% during five to fifteen minute and 83% during fifteen to twenty five minute. 70% of the study participants were preloaded with more than 500ml of crystalloid and 60% were took oxytocin for uterine contraction. Majority of them were in supine position prior to spinal anesthesia. Conclusion and recommendation: The magnitude of post spinal hypotension was so high that the use vigorous fluid resuscitation and the use of prophylactic vasopressor were recommended.