Granisetron Reduces the Need for Uterotonics but not Sympathomimetics During Cesarean Delivery

Abstract

(Int J Gynecol Obstet. 2019;145:361–366) Although spinal anesthesia (SPA) for cesarean delivery might improve outcomes for mother and child, it does carry the frequent side effects of hypotension and bradycardia, which in turn can lead to reduced uteroplacental perfusion. There are a few possible causes of hypotension during SPA and several strategies for its treatment. One possible option for preventing hypotension is the use of 5-HT3 receptor antagonists. Previous studies have found that ondansetron, a 5-HT3 receptor, had a positive effect on hemodynamic stability in obstetric studies. There is a lack of evidence for the use of 5-HT3 receptor antagonists to preemptively attenuate the adverse effects of SPA, however. This study aimed to evaluate a 5-HT3 receptor antagonist, granisetron, for its effects on the need for uterotonic agents and sympathomimetics after SPA.