Correlation between spinal column length and the spread of subarachnoid hyperbaric bupivacaine in the term parturient

Abstract

Background: Anaesthetists frequently tailor the subarachnoid local anaesthetic dosage according to parturient height to achieve sensory blockade up to the T4 dermatome for lower segment Caesarean sections (LSCSs). Studies that have been conducted have demonstrated that height does not affect the spread of subarachnoid hyperbaric bupivacaine. This study aimed to nd the correlation between the spinal column length of term parturients and the highest level of sensory blockade after spinal anaesthesia. Methods: The authors studied 60 singleton term parturients of American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status I or II scheduled for elective LSCSs. The length of the spinal column was taken as an average of three measurements from the C7 spinous process to the sacral hiatus in a sitting upright and facing forward position. Spinal anaesthesia was given by administering 1.8 ml of 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine and 25 μg fentanyl through the L3/L4 or L4/L5 intervertebral space. The level of sensory blockade was assessed using pin-prick testing for pain sensation. Linear regression analysis was used to analyse the correlation; R < 0.25 indicates no correlation with the level of signi cance being < 0.05. Results: The spinal column lengths measured were between 42.2 cm and 85.8 cm (median: 58.5 cm). Spinal anaesthesia given was adequate for all patients, with the highest levels of anaesthesia ranging from T8 to T2 with sensory levels between T6 and T4. The parturients' spinal column length showed no correlation with the highest level of sensory blockade achieved, namely R = 0.11. Conclusions:The study found no correlation between the parturients' spinal column length and the highest level of sensory blockade achieved.

The relationship of patient characteristics to cephalad spread of spinal anaesthesia after giving 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine in infraumbilical surgeries

“…Furthermore, in this study there was no significant association between vertebral column and cephalad spread of spinal anesthesia. Similar to this study, Wan Rahiza et al [28] spinal column length and the spread of anaesthesia was not significantly correlated. However many studies showed contrasting reports as that of the present study.…”

The effect of hip shoulder width ratio and vertebral column length on sensory level in term participants posted for lower segment caesarean section under spinal anaesthesia in Indian population: A prospective observational study

“…Chanimov M et al 14 in their study found a significant correlation between vertebral column length (C7 to iliac crest) and highest sensory level. Rahiza WW et al 15 in a study of the relationship between spinal column length and sensory spread, spinal column length (C7 to SH) showed no correlation with the highest level of sensory blockade achieved. We have found a positive correlation between HSWR and highest sensory level achieved, whereas VCL, height, weight, BMI had no effect on sensory level.…”

Evaluation of effect of hip/shoulder-width ratio on the sensory level of spinal anesthesia – A prospective observational study

“…The mean vertebral column length in our study was 54.99 ± 4.59, which showed a negative correlation with the cephalad spread of sensory level of anesthesia, although it was not statistically significant, which is similar to the study conducted by Wan Rahiza et al . [ 13 ] where no significant association was found between VCL and cephalad spread of anesthesia. However, many other studies like that of Zhou et al .…”