Influence of temperature of bupivacaine on spread of spinal analgesia

Abstract

A prospective, randomised study was performed to investigate the influence of temperature on sensory blockade in spinal anaesthesia. Three ml of plain bupivacaine 0.5% were injected intrathecally at either 4°C, room temperature, or 37°C. There were 10 patients in each group, who were kept sitting for 2 minutes after injection. The maximum level of sensory blockade was significantly higher (p < 0.01) in the group who received the solution adjusted to 37°C, and variability of level was smaller (p < 0.05). Time to two‐segment regression was shorter in the 37°C group than in the 4°C group (p < 0.05). Hypotension required administration of ephedrine more often in the 37°C group (p < 0.05). It is concluded that the use of plain bupivacaine 0.5% adjusted to 37°C results in a higher and more predictable sensory blockade. Copyright © 1991, Wiley Blackwell. All rights reserved