Comparative Study of Spinal Anaesthesia versus General Anaesthesia in Severe Preeclampsia Patients Undergoing Cesarean Section

Introduction: Pre-eclampsia is a multi-system disorder unique to human pregnancy complicating 5-8% of pregnancies. It poses significant risks to both maternal and foetal health. Pre-eclampsia, a pregnancy complication characterized by high blood pressure and organ dysfunction, put unique challenges against anaesthesiologists. While ensuring adequate pain relief and safe delivery, they must navigate the delicate balance of pre-existing maternal health and potential complications. Caesarean section is the procedure where a baby is delivered through an incision on the abdominal wall and uterus of the mother under general or spinal anaesthesia. Both general and spinal Anaesthesia can be used for caesarean section but each has its own advantages and disadvantages to both mother and foetus. We are comparing study of spinal anaesthesia versus general anaesthesia in severe pre-eclampsia patients undergoing caesarean section. Methods: The present Interventional study was conducted in the Tertiary care hospital amongst 60 patients having severe preeclampsia undergoing caesarean section were divided into two groups 30 each. In group-I had general anaesthesia and in group – II patients had spinal anaesthesia for caesarean section. Result: The mean age of patients in the Spinal AX group was slightly lower, but this difference was not statistically significant. Majority patients receiving general anaesthesia show high pulse rate showing statistical difference. Maternal haemodynamic parameters, including mean arterial pressure, systolic blood pressure, and diastolic blood pressure were significantly higher in the General AX group. The Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) scores indicated significantly lower pain levels in the Spinal AX group (all Score of 1). A higher incidence of maternal complications, including nausea &vomiting, delayed discharge, was observed in the general AX group. There is significantly higher proportion of newborns in the Spinal AX group with Apgar scores greater than 5 at 1 minute. These findings suggest that newborns of mothers who underwent Spinal AX anaesthesia had better overall neonatal conditions immediately after birth compared to those born to mothers who underwent General AX anaesthesia. Conclusion: In our study, we concluded that spinal anaesthesia is associated with lower maternal complications and early post operative recovery is good in spinal anaesthesia in terms of early mobility and post operative ICU requirement. Neonatal outcome in terms of APGAR score is better in spinal anaesthesia compared to general anaesthesia.