• L J van Bogaert.
• Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Transkei, Philadelphia Hospital, Dennilton, South Africa.
• Int J Gynaecol Obstet. 1998 Jun 1;61(3):233-8.

ObjectiveTo investigate whether wrapping and/or elevation of the legs prevents post-spinal hypotension at cesarean section (CS).Methods82 parturients in a community hospital were randomly allocated to one of 4 groups: raising, wrapping, raising and wrapping of the legs and no intervention. The outcome measures were the upper level of blockade, pulse rate and arterial systolic pressure (SAP). Statistical evaluation included paired and unpaired t-test, contingency table analysis and repeated measures analysis of variance.ResultsThe SAP remained significantly higher with wrapping; elevation did not add any benefit. The number of episodes of severe hypotension (defined as a SAP decrease > or = 20% of baseline and < 100 mmHg) was significantly reduced by wrapping (15.8% of cases) as compared to controls (45.5%)(chi2 = 11.02; P = 0.012). Elevation alone did not prevent hypotension (chi2 = 0.76; P = 0.38).ConclusionWrapping of the legs at spinal block for Cs is recommended to reduce hypotension.

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