Study of the Effect of Different Temperatures on Quality of Subarachnoid Blockade using 0.5%

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Study of the Effect of Different Temperatures on Quality of Subarachnoid Blockade using 0.5%

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Photo by My Foto Canva on Unsplash

Photo by My Foto Canva on Unsplash

Why is it important?

Background: Factors affecting spread of local anaesthetic are baricity, position, volume injected, level of injection, concentration of local anesthetic, speed of injection, abdominal pressure (ascites, pregnancy) and other factors are density, viscosity and temperature of the local anaesthetics injected. Our study compares the effects on sensory and motor blockade when 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine is administered at various temperatures viz., 24°C, 37°C and 40°C intrathecally in patients coming for infraumbilical surgeries. Methods: In this study 90 patients, 30 in each group undergoing surgery below the umbilicus were randomly administered spinal anesthesia at 24°C (Group A), 37°C (Group B) and 40°C (Group C). Sensory blockade and two segment regression were assessed by pinprick and motor blockade with Bromage scale. Results: Study showed with increased temperature the cephalad spread of sensory dermatome was rapid and high. Drugs injected at room temperature (24°C) had slow onset of sensory and motor blockade (p<0.001). Two segment regression achieved from the maximum level also was rapid with increased temperature of the local anesthetic administered. Conclusion: The sensory and motor blockade is influenced by the temperature of the local anaesthetic that is administered following subarachnoid injection.

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