Key result
Gestational age ≥39 weeks is linked to higher post-operative QTcd after cesareans under spinal anesthesia.
Why the study?
Pregnancy affects the cardiovascular system and increases arrhythmia susceptibility, but the relationship between gestational week and QT dispersion under spinal anaesthesia was not established.
Does gestational age ≥39 weeks increase QT dispersion in patients undergoing cesarean section with spinal anaesthesia?
Observational (n=40)
Does gestational age ≥39 weeks increase QT dispersion in patients undergoing cesarean section with spinal anaesthesia?
p-value: p=.007
Spinal anaesthesia may prolong the QTdc interval in patients with a gestational week of ≥39 weeks undergoing cesarean section, potentially increasing the risk of ventricular arrhythmias.
May warrant arrhythmia vigilance in late-term cesarean deliveries; leaves open whether gestational age modifies QT effects under spinal anesthesia.
BACKGROUND: Pregnancy affects the cardiovascular system, particularly the cardiac conduction system, thereby increasing the susceptibility of patients towards arrhythmia. QT interval results in ventricular arrhythmias, predominantly polymorphic ventricular tachycardia. The present study was planned to investigate the relationship between a gestational week and QT dispersion in cesarean section patients undergoing spinal anaesthesia. METHODS: The study included 40 patients between the ages of 18 and 45 who had no symptoms of anaemia and undergoing elective cesarean section. The patients were separated into two groups based on the gestational week as Group I <39 weeks and Group II ≥39 weeks. The patient was given a sitting position and the puncture site was cleansed with 10% povidone-iodine antiseptic solution. After placing a sterile drape on the patient, the subarachnoid space was punctured through an appropriate vertebral space (L3-L4 or L4-L5) using a pencil-point 25G spinal needle, followed by intrathecal injection of 12.5 mg (2.5 mL) 5% hyperbaric bupivacaine hydrochloride. Electrocardiographic (ECG) records were obtained both preoperatively and at 1, 5, and 10 minutes after spinal block, and the QT, QTc, QTd, and corrected QTd (QTcd) intervals were estimated using Bazett's formula. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between the two groups within the QT and QTc intervals. QTcd measured after post-operative was significantly higher in Group II (P = .007). CONCLUSION: The results indicated that spinal anaesthesia may prolong the QTdc interval in patients with a gestational week of ≥39 weeks undergoing cesarean section.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Karahan et al. (2021) conducted an observational in Cesarean section patients undergoing spinal anaesthesia (n=40). Gestational week ≥39 weeks vs. Gestational week <39 weeks was evaluated on Corrected QT dispersion (QTcd) (p=.007). A gestational age of ≥39 weeks was associated with significantly higher post-operative corrected QT dispersion in patients undergoing cesarean section under spinal anaesthesia (P = .007).
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: