EFFECT OF CONTINUATION OF PREOPERATIVE BETA BLOCKERS IN PATIENTS WITH ESSENTIAL HYPERTENSION UNDERGOING CENTRAL NEURAXIAL BLOCKADE FOR INFRA-UMBILICAL SURGICAL PROCEDURES

Abstract

Background: The incidence of hypotension following subarachnoid block is quite common. Hypertensive patients can have precipitated hypotension and bradycardia due to vascular reactivity or due to effect of anti-hypertensive drugs. Continuation or discontinuation of these antihypertensive medication can have varying effect following spinal induced sympathetic block and subsequent hemodynamic responses. Materials and Methods: This prospective non randomized study was conducted on 90 patients with antihypertensive monptherapy either group B (betablocker) or group O [Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI) or Angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB)] who underwent below umbilical surgery with subarachnoid block. Number of episodes of hypotension and bradycardia, total dose of vasoconstrictor or atropine was compared between the two groups. A probability value of less than 5% was considered as statistically significant. Results: Hypotensive episodes and requirement of vasoconstrictor drug were seen to be less in group B as compared to group O. (p<0.001). Episodes of bradycardia and requirement of atropine was significantly more in the group B as compared to group O (p<0.001).