American journal of obstetrics and gynecology
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Three hundred thirty-six consecutive cesarean deliveries performed under epidural anesthesia were reviewed. Twenty per cent of mothers suffered at least a 20% fall in blood pressure following administration of epidural anesthesia. An additional 24% required ephedrine, a vasopressor with predominantly beta activity, when other corrective measures failed. ⋯ Following restoration of blood pressure with conventional measures and ephedrine therapy, lactic acidosis persisted until delivery, whereas PO2 and PCO2 reverted toward normal values. The hypoperfusion of the intervillous space was the most likely cause of the observed significant umbilical venous and arterial lactic acidosis. Maternal hypotension remains a significant problem complicating conduction anesthesia.