体位对择期剖宫产产妇循环和新生儿的影响

目的观察体位对产妇血流动力学及新生儿Apgar评分的影响。方法硬膜外麻醉下行择期剖宮产的产妇80例均分为四组,分别采用平卧位(S组)、左侧倾斜30°位(L组)、左侧倾斜15°同时头低15°位(LT组)、仰卧同时头低15°位(ST组)。记录各组麻醉前、麻醉后5、10、15 min、胎儿娩出即刻患者的MAP、HR、SpO2及新生儿1-、5-min的Apgar评分。结果麻醉后10 min,S、LT、ST三组MAP与麻醉前比较明显降低(P<0.05),也明显低于L组(P<0.05);新生儿出生后1-、5-min的Apgar评分组间差异无统计学意义。结论左侧倾斜30°位可有效降低剖宮产术中低血压的发生率。     

腰-硬联合阻滞腰麻后硬膜外镇痛时机对分娩镇痛的影响

目的观察腰-硬联合阻滞(CSEA)腰麻后硬膜外镇痛时机对分娩镇痛的影响。方法选择ASAⅠ或Ⅱ级,足月初产妇80例,于宫口开至2~3cm时实施CSEA镇痛。将入选产妇采用随机数字表法均分为E1组、E2组、E3组和E4组,分别于蛛网膜下腔给药后3、30、60和90min接受持续硬膜外给药。L3~4椎间隙行硬膜外穿刺,取25G腰麻穿刺针刺入蛛网膜下腔,见脑脊液后给予布比卡因2.5mg和芬太尼25μg,然后均采用PCEA模式。0.1%罗哌卡因与2μg/ml芬太尼混合液100ml加入电子镇痛泵,设置背景维持量为10ml/h,单次剂量为5ml,锁定时间15min。记录第一产程时间、第二产程时间、催产素使用率、分娩方式和不良反应发生情况,新生儿Apgar评分、脐动脉血气分析,以及产妇补救剂量和硬膜外用药总量。结果四组产妇产程、催产素使用率、分娩方式、新生儿Apgar评分、脐动脉血气分析差异均无统计学意义。E1、E2组需要PCA例数和次数明显少于、硬膜外罗哌卡因补救剂量明显低于E3、E4组(P<0.05)。结论蛛网膜下腔给药后30min以内开始硬膜外持续镇痛可以明显减少PCA次数和硬膜外罗哌卡因的补救剂量。     

瑞芬太尼复合丙泊酚全身麻醉对剖宫产新生儿的影响

目的探讨瑞芬太尼复合丙泊酚全身麻醉对子宫下段剖宫产新生儿的影响。方法将择期行子宫下段剖宫产的足月产妇60例采用随机数字表法分为瑞芬太尼复合丙泊酚全身麻醉组(G组)和腰麻组(L组),各30例。G组采用瑞芬太尼0.5μg/kg缓慢静滴,复合血浆靶浓度为3~3.5μg/mL的丙泊酚靶控输注的方法全身麻醉诱导。L组采用L2-3间隙蛛网膜下腔阻滞,蛛网膜下腔注入0.5%布比卡因3 mL,并预防性应用甲氧明1~2 mg预防低血压的发生。2组胎儿娩出后进行新生儿Apgar评分,并于娩出30 min后抽取新生儿脐动脉血进行血气分析(PH值、血氧饱和度及红细胞压积)。结果产妇均顺利完成子宫下段剖宫产手术,G组和L组新生儿Apgar评分比较,差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。两组新生儿的脐动脉血血气分析指标均符合正常标准,两组PH值、血氧饱和度及红细胞压积比较,差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。结论瑞芬太尼复合丙泊酚全身麻醉对子宫下段剖宫产分娩的新生儿无明显影响,具有一定的临床应用价值。     

腰麻剖宫产手术预注去氧肾上腺素对母婴的影响

目的探讨腰麻剖宫产手术预注去氧肾上腺素对母婴的影响。方法选择2013年6月至2015年6月间我院行腰麻剖宫产产妇76例,随机分为观察组与对照组。产妇腰麻改平卧位后观察组即刻静脉推注去氧肾上腺素60μg,对照组静脉推注麻黄碱5 mg。记录入室后(T1)、腰麻后1 min(T2)和5 min(T3)及胎儿娩出前1 min(T4)、娩出后3 min(T5)、10 min(T6)的收缩压(systolic blood pressure,SBP)、舒张压(diastolic blood pressure,DBP)、心率(HR),记录围术期产妇恶心呕吐等不良反应的发生情况。记录胎儿脐动脉血的血气指标(p H、Pa O2、Pa CO2、BE)和脐静脉血的血糖和乳酸浓度,由新生儿科医生对新生儿进行Apgar评分(1 min、5 min)。结果观察组新生儿脐静脉血的血糖和乳酸水平略低于对照组,但是比较差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。两组新生儿脐动脉血的血气指标p H值、BE、Pa CO2比较均无显著差异(P0.05)。与观察组比较,对照组的HR在T2~T6时间点明显加快,差异具有统计学意义(P0.05);对照组的HR在T2~T6时间点与同组T1时比较亦明显加快,差异具有统计学意义(P0.05)。T1~T6时两组产妇的SBP和DBP组内、组间比较均无明显差异(P0.05)。观察组产妇恶心呕吐的发生率明显低于对照组,差异具有统计学意义(P0.05);而两组产妇头晕、胸闷以及低血压的发生率比较无明显差异(P0.05)。两组新生儿的Apgar评分无明显差异(P0.05)。结论腰麻剖宫产手术预注去氧肾上腺素能较好地防治产妇术中低血压,有效降低产妇不良反应的发生,而且对新生儿无不良影响,值得临床推广。     

不同剂量布比卡因腰-硬联合麻醉在高原地区剖宫产术的比较

目的 探讨布比卡因腰-硬联合麻醉在高原地区用于剖宫产手术的合适剂量.方法 选择60例ASA Ⅰ或Ⅱ级剖宫产产妇,行腰-硬联合麻醉,于L2～3间隙穿刺,穿刺成功后分别向蛛网膜下腔注入0.5%布比卡因,硬膜外腔置管备用.根据布比卡因用量不同随机均分为三组,A组6 mg、B组8 mg、C组10 mg.记录麻醉前及麻醉后5、10、15、30 min及手术结束时的BP、HR,SpO2,腰麻阻滞平面及达到阻滞平面的时间,麻醉效果,新生儿Apgar评分,术中、术后并发症.结果 三组产妇术中恶心呕吐发生率、新生儿Apgar评分差异无统计学意义.A、B组腰麻阻滞平面明显低于C组,利多卡因用量多于C组(P＜0.01).C组麻醉效果最佳,但BP、HR变化波动较大,低血压发生率高,麻黄碱用量大于A、B组(P＜0.05).B组腰麻阻滞平面适中,麻醉效果较好,循环相对稳定,而且利多卡因用量少,较符合腰-硬联合麻醉的双重优点.结论 布比卡因腰-硬联合麻醉在高原地区用于剖宫产手术的合适剂量为8 mg.     

预注小剂量高渗氯化钠羟乙基淀粉40对剖宫产手术母婴的影响

目的 观察术前预充小剂量高渗氯化钠羟乙基淀粉40(HSH)对剖宫产产妇血流动力学及母婴血气、离子、丙二醛(MDA)和血浆超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)的影响.方法 200例择期行剖官术产妇,随机双盲均分为:HSH组(H组)和复方乳酸钠组(L组).监测并记录入室时(T0)、预充量输注完即刻(T1)、腰麻注药后5 min(T2)、胎儿娩出时(T3)、术毕(T4)的HR、BP、SpO2;同时采脐动、静脉血和产妇动脉血各5 ml测定血乳酸(Lac)、血细胞比容(Hct)、Na+、K+、血气及SOD活力和MDA浓度;记录新生儿生后1和5 min的Apgar评分并计算胎儿氧摄取率(ERO2).结果 与T0时比较,T2～T4时L组产妇SBP、DBP明显下降,HR明显增快(P<0.05).与H组比较,T2～T4时L组产妇SBP、DBP明显降低,HR明显增快(P<0.05);H组产妇动脉血PO2明显高于L组(P<0.05),Hct和Lac明显低于L组(P<0.05);H组新生儿脐动、静脉的PO2明显高于L组(P<0.05);与入室前比较,胎儿娩出时两组产妇动脉血SOD值明显降低(P<0.05);胎儿娩出时H组产妇动脉血、新生儿脐动脉血及脐静脉血SOD值均高于L组(P<0.05);H组新生儿脐动脉血及脐静脉MDA值低于L组(P<0.05).H组胎儿ERO2较L组明显升高(P<0.05).结论 剖宫产围术期,应用小剂量HSH扩容,能稳定母婴的血流动力学,更好地维持母婴内环境稳定,提高产妇和胎儿的安全性.     

0.75%重比重布比卡因剖宫产腰硬联合麻醉的应用

目的探讨重比重布比卡因腰硬联合麻醉在剖宫产麻醉中的应用。方法选择120例剖宫产手术的产妇,ASAI-Ⅱ,行L2—3或L3—4间隙穿刺,穿刺成功后注入0.75%布比卡因重比重液1~2mL(7.5~15mg),控制麻醉平面后,测血压、脉搏、呼吸。结果麻醉起效时间为1~3min,注药后(6.3±2.2)min阻滞完善。腰骶部阻滞完善,对产妇血压的影响不超过其基础值的20%,脉搏、呼吸基本无明显影响,术后并发症少,新生儿Apgar评分(18.8±0.7)分。结论腰硬联合麻醉起效快、效果确切、肌松良好、对胎儿循环干扰小、并发症少。     

麻黄碱治疗腰麻剖宫产术低血压对脐动脉血气及胎儿的影响

目的 探讨应用麻黄碱纠正腰麻剖宫产术中低血压对脐动脉血气及胎儿的影响.方法 选择ASA Ⅰ或Ⅱ级产妇40例,年龄26～34岁.无妊娠合并症,无胎儿异常,足月单胎妊娠.腰麻后出现低血压(收缩压低于基础值30%).先快速输入羟乙基淀粉200/0.5 500 ml,向左侧提起子宫,抬高产妇下肢纠正低血压.3 min后,低血压有效纠正者24例(对照组),无效者16例给麻黄碱10 mg静推(麻黄碱组,必要时追加麻黄碱10 mg).胎儿娩出尚未出现第一次呼吸之前用两把血管钳钳夹一段脐带,抽取脐动脉血行血气分析.记录注腰麻药即刻至切开子宫时间、子宫切开至胎儿娩出时间、术中产妇心率、恶心呕吐及胎儿出生时的Apgar评分.结果 两组注腰麻药即刻至切开子宫时间、子宫切开至胎儿娩出时间、术中产妇心率、恶心呕吐及胎儿出生时Apgar评分差异均无统计学意义.两组脐动脉血PO2、PCO2、pH、碱剩余(BE)差异均无统计学意义.结论 适当剂量麻黄碱可安全用于治疗腰麻引起的剖宫产术中低血压,对母体及胎儿无不良影响.     

瑞芬太尼复合丙泊酚联合无正压通气诱导技术在5分钟剖宫产中的应用

目的观察瑞芬太尼复合丙泊酚行无正压通气诱导在5分钟剖宫产中对产妇血流动力学及新生儿Apgar评分的影响。方法选择2014年8月至2016年1月,我院启动5 min剖宫产产妇60例,年龄23~38岁,体重55~80 kg,孕周38~40周。随机分为两组:瑞芬太尼1μg/kg复合丙泊酚2 mg/kg组(R组)和氯胺酮0.5 mg/kg复合丙泊酚2 mg/kg组(L组),每组30例。记录麻醉诱导插管(T1)、切皮(T2)、胎儿取出断脐时(T3)产妇SBP、DBP、HR及不良反应发生情况;记录胎儿娩出时间及胎儿娩出时脐动脉血气,以及新生儿1 min和5 min的Apgar评分。结果 T1、T2时L组SBP、DBP明显高于R组,HR明显快于R组(P0.05),T3时两组HR、SBP、DBP差异无统计学意义。两组脐动脉血气分析差异无统计学意义。两组胎儿娩出时间,新生儿1 min和5 min的Apgar评分差异均无统计学意义。结论瑞芬太尼复合丙泊酚联合无正压通气诱导技术在5分钟全麻剖宫产中产妇血流动力学波动轻微,不增加胎儿/新生儿呼吸抑制的风险,可行性好,对母婴安全可靠。     

预注去氧肾上腺素或麻黄碱对腰麻下剖宫产产妇及新生儿的影响

目的比较预注去氧肾上腺素与麻黄碱对腰麻下剖宫产术产妇及新生儿的影响。方法选择择期单次腰麻下剖宫产产妇60例,随机分为两组:去氧肾上腺素组(P组)和麻黄碱组(E组),每组30例。产妇腰麻改平卧位后即刻静脉推注去氧肾上腺素60μg或麻黄碱5mg,若产妇血压下降超过20%时使用去氧肾上腺素或麻黄碱升压。记录入室时(T0)及腰麻后1min(T1)、3min(T2)、5min(T3)、10min(T4)、胎儿娩出时(T5)的HR、SBP和DBP;记录产妇不良反应及新生儿1、5min的Apgar评分,同时检测胎儿娩出时脐静脉血气。结果 T1~T5时E组HR均明显快于P组和T0时(P0.05或P0.01)。E组和P组的低血压及高血压发生率差异无统计学意义。两组新生胎儿脐静脉血乳酸水平、血气分析及Apgar评分差异无统计学意义。E组恶心呕吐发生率明显高于P组(P0.05)。结论腰麻剖宫产术预注去氧肾上腺素能较好地防治产妇术中低血压,产妇恶心呕吐发生率较低,对新生儿无不良影响。     

Effects of maternal position on epidural anesthesia for cesarean section, acid-base status, and bupivacaine concentrations at delivery.

In 25 patients excellent clinical anesthesia for elective cesarean section was obtained with lumbar epidural block using an average dose of bupivacaine of 130 mg (18 ml of 0.75 per cent solution). Supplemental drugs were not needed. All infants had normal Apgar scores at delivery. Ten patients were kept in a 35--40 degree semi-sitting supine position during induction, while 15 patients were similarly semi-sitting but turned into the left lateral position. Maternal position did not affect the adequacy of the anesthesia or the clinical condition of the infants, but did alter acid-base state and bupivacaine concentrations in the infants. At delivery, the infants whose mothers had been supine had significantly lower pH values in umbilical cord blood than those whose mothers had been in the lateral position. Also, high concentrations of bupivacaine were found in the umbilical vein blood of infants whose mothers were supine.     

Postural change from lateral to supine is an important mechanism enhancing cephalic spread after injection of intrathecal 0.5% plain bupivacaine for cesarean section

BackgroundSpinal anesthesia is widely used for cesarean section, but the factors that affect the spread of the block in pregnant patients are still not fully explained. This study was designed to investigate the effect of postural changes on sensory block level.MethodsThirty patients scheduled for elective cesarean section under combined spinal–epidural anesthesia were randomly allocated into three groups. After intrathecal injection of 0.5% plain bupivacaine 7.5 mg, patients in group S were immediately placed in the supine position with left tilt, patients in group L5 were kept lateral for 5 min and then turned to the supine position with left tilt, and patients in group L10 were kept lateral for 10 min and then turned to the supine position with left tilt.ResultsAt 5 min, median cephalad level of sensory block was lower in groups L5 and L10 compared with group S (corrected P<0.001); at 10 min, median cephalad sensory block level was lower in group L10 compared with group S (corrected P<0.001) and group L5 (corrected P<0.001), and lower in group L5 compared with group S (corrected P=0.033); at 15 min, median cephalad level of sensory block was lower in group L10 compared with group S (corrected P=0.003) and group L5 (corrected P=0.015).ConclusionsIn our population, using 0.5% plain bupivacaine 7.5 mg, postural change from the lateral position to the supine position is an important mechanism enhancing cephalic spread of spinal anesthesia during late pregnancy.     

Prevention of spinal hypotension associated with cesarean section by aortocaval compression--left 15 degree table tilt vs. uterine displacement by hand

Women undergoing elective cesarean delivery were randomly assigned to receive a spinal anesthesia in either the semi-lateral (group SL) position or the supine position with uterine displacement (group UD). After spinal injection, group SL patients were turned to a 15 degrees left lateral supine position, and group UD patients had uterine displacement by hand. Ephedrine 4 mg i.v. was administered in case of nausea/vomiting and/or hypotension, defined as a systolic blood pressure below 100 mmHg. Arm systolic arterial pressure and leg systolic arterial pressure were similar in both groups, but the lowest leg systolic arterial pressure until delivery was significantly lower in the UD group (P < 0.05). Mean ephedrine requirement was significantly less in the SL group (P < 0.05). Apgar scores did not differ, but umbilical artery pH values were significantly higher in patients of the group SL (P < 0.01).     

A comparison of the lateral, Oxford and sitting positions for performing combined spinal-epidural anaesthesia for elective Caesarean section

One hundred women were randomly allocated to the left lateral, Oxford or sitting position for induction of combined spinal-epidural anaesthesia for Caesarean section using 2.5 ml hyperbaric bupivacaine 0.5% and 10 mug fentanyl. Women in the left lateral were then turned to the right lateral position; women in the Oxford position were turned to the same position on their opposite side; and women in the sitting group were turned to the supine left tilt position. Women remained in these positions until ready for surgery, which was conducted in the supine position with a wedge placed under the right hip. Ephedrine requirements before re-positioning for surgery were less in the sitting position than in the other two positions: median (IQR [range]) doses for the lateral, Oxford and sitting groups were 21 (12-30 [6-48]), 18 (7.5-24 [6-48]) and 12 (6-21 [6-42]) mg, respectively; p = 0.04. Sensory block to touch sensation at the T5 dermatomal level was most quickly achieved in the lateral position with median (IQR [range]) block onset times for the lateral, Oxford and sitting groups of 9 (6-13 [4-30]), 15.5 (9-22 [4-34]) and 14 (9-18[6-36]) min, respectively; p = 0.004. In the Oxford position, more epidural catheters required dosing to achieve a sensory block of T5 before surgery: the number of patients (proportion) bolused in the lateral, Oxford and sitting groups was 1 (3%), 7 (22%) and 1 (3%), respectively; p = 0.01. We did not demonstrate any advantage in using the Oxford position for combined spinal-epidural anaesthesia for elective Caesarean section.     

Low-dose combined spinal-epidural anesthesia for cesarean delivery: a comparison of three plain local anesthetics

The new local anesthetics have been poorly studied for intrathecal use during Cesarean section surely in low doses and in combination with an opioid substance. The purpose of the present study was to compare bupivacaine and the newer local anesthetics in equipotent doses. During the induction of combined spinal-epidural anesthesia, 91 elective Cesarean section patients were randomly assigned to receive a spinal injection of either 10 mg ropivacaine or 6.6 mg bupivacaine or levobupivacaine both combined with sufentanil 3.3 microg. After securing the epidural catheter patients were turned to the supine position respecting a 15 degrees left lateral tilt. The three local anesthetics were compared with respect to sensory and motor block, the need for epidural supplementation, the severity of hypotension and neonatal outcome. More patients in bupivacaine had a Bromage-3 motor block at incision. The ropivacaine group required additional local anesthetics by the epidural route in 23% of the cases versus 10% in the bupivacaine group and 9% with levobupivacaine. This caused the interval between the spinal injection and the end of surgery to be longer in the ropivacaine group. Hemodynamic values were comparable between the three groups although a trend towards better systolic blood pressures and a lower incidence of severe hypotension were noticed in favor of levobupivacaine. Apgar scores and umbilical pH values did not differ. When performing a low-dose combined spinal-epidural technique for Cesarean section, the present study confirms that the new local anesthetics can be used successfully, induce less motor block but that ropivacaine requires at least a 50% larger dose than bupivacaine or levobupivacaine.     

The effect of 10 degrees head-up tilt in the right lateral position on the systemic blood pressure after subarachnoid block for Caesarean section

Forty women presenting for elective Caesarean section under spinal anaesthesia were randomly assigned to have anaesthesia induced in the right lateral position either in the horizontal position or with 10 degrees head-up tilt. Hyperbaric bupivacaine 2 ml 0.5% with 0.1 mg of morphine was injected intrathecally before the parturients were placed in the supine position with 15 degrees left lateral tilt. Blood pressure and heart rate were monitored every minute and the sensory level (loss of sharp sensation to pinprick) was monitored every 3 min until clamping of the umbilical cord. Ephedrine 6 mg was given every minute that the systolic blood pressure decreased below 90 mmHg. The mean systolic blood pressure during the first 5 min after induction of spinal anaesthesia was lower in the control group compared to the tilted group (99 mmHg vs. 109 mmHg; p = 0.043). The upper limit of block was higher in the control group compared to the tilted group (p = 0.002). The use of 10 degrees head-up tilt resulted in a reduced incidence of hypotension initially and less extensive sensory block.     

Spinal anaesthesia for Caesarean section: effect of Sprotte needle orientation

We induced spinal anaesthesia in 100 women presenting for elective Caesarean section with the mother in the right lateral position. Patients were allocated randomly to have the side eye of the 24-gauge Sprotte spinal needle pointing in one of four directions: group A, cephalad; group B, right lateral; group C, left lateral; group D, caudad. Isobaric bupivacaine 0.5% (2.5 ml) was injected over 30 s before the mother was placed supine with a 15 degree left lateral tilt. Onset time and height of the subsequent analgesic and anaesthetic blocks were assessed by a blinded observer. Onset of sensory block to T4 was significantly faster in group A (P = 0.001). There were no differences in final block height, incidence of hypotension, nausea and vomiting or ephedrine requirements.      

Effect of lateral versus supine wedged position on development of spinal blockade and hypotension

Aortocaval compression may not be completely prevented by the supine wedged or tilted positions. It is commonly believed, however, that the unmodified full lateral position after induction of spinal anaesthesia might allow excessive spread of the block. We therefore compared baseline arterial pressures in the supine wedged, sitting, tilted and full lateral positions in 40 women who were about to undergo elective caesarean section. They were then given spinal anaesthesia in the left lateral position and randomised to be turned to the right lateral or the supine wedged position, after which speed of onset and spread of blockade to cold sensation were measured every 2 min for 10 min and mean arterial pressure and ephedrine requirement were recorded every minute for 20 min. Baseline mean arterial pressure was 9 mmHg (95% CI 3 to 14) lower in the left lateral (measured in the upper arm) than in the sitting position; those in the supine wedged and tilted positions were intermediate. Following spinal anaesthesia, hypotension (defined as a reading 相似文献   

Oxford positioning technique improves haemodynamic stability and predictability of block height of spinal anaesthesia for elective caesarean section

A novel positioning technique was tested to see whether the unpredictability of block height and haemodynamic instability during spinal anaesthesia for caesarean section could be reduced. In this 'Oxford' position, the woman is placed left lateral with an inflated bag under the shoulder and pillows supporting the head. Following spinal injection the woman is turned to an identical right lateral position. This is maintained until just before incision to minimise aorto-caval compression, when she is placed in the wedged supine position. Sixty women undergoing elective caesarean section were randomised to receive spinal anaesthesia using hyperbaric bupivacaine in either the Oxford (group O), or the sitting position followed immediately by the wedged supine position (group S). Ephedrine 6 mg was given every minute that systolic blood pressure was less than 80% of baseline. In group S, 9/30 women lost pinprick sensation up to T4 at 5 minutes compared with 2/30 in group O (chi2 test, P = 0.04). Block height was more variable in group S than in group O (f test, P = 0.001). Blood pressure decreased by a greater amount initially: group S women required more ephedrine (15.5 +/- 12.9 versus 9.2 +/- 7.7 mg, t test, P = 0.03). Block height with spinal anaesthesia for caesarean section is more predictable and haemodynamically stable if the Oxford position is used whilst anaesthesia develops.     

The sitting versus right lateral position during combined spinal-epidural anesthesia for cesarean delivery: block characteristics and severity of hypotension

In the present study we evaluated whether the sitting position during initiation of small-dose combined spinal-epidural anesthesia (CSE) would induce less hypotension as compared with the lateral position. Sixty women undergoing elective cesarean delivery were randomly assigned to receive a spinal injection consisting of 6.6 mg hyperbaric bupivacaine with sufentanil 3.3 microg in either the lateral or the sitting position. After securing the epidural catheter, patients were turned to a 15 degrees left lateral supine position. Ephedrine 5 mg IV was administered prophylactically and subsequently in case of nausea/vomiting and/or hypotension, defined as a systolic blood pressure less than 95 mm Hg or a 25% decrease from baseline values. Although the incidence of ephedrine supplementation was not different, females in the sitting group required less ephedrine (P = 0.012) and there were fewer problems with identifying the epidural space (P = 0.01). However, more patients in this group required epidural supplementation (35% versus 3%; P = 0.007). In the lateral group, blocks extended more cephalad than with the sitting position (P = 0.014). Apgar scores did not differ, but umbilical artery pH values were significantly higher in patients of the sitting group (7.31 +/- 0.04 versus 7.26 +/- 0.03; P = 0.02). We conclude that performing a CSE technique for cesarean delivery in the sitting position was technically easier and induced less severe hypotension.