Electrical Acupoint Stimulation Reduces Intrathecal Anesthesia Induced Hypotension

Electrical Acupoint Stimulation Alleviates Hypotension After Spinal Anesthesia in Parturients: a Prospective Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

The parturients may suffer from hypotension after spinal anesthesia and the incidence could be as high as 70-80% when pharmacological prophylaxis is not used. Acupuncture was reported to treat hypotension both in human and animal studies. Possible mechanisms include modulating cardiovascular and sympathetic system. In this prospective, double-blinded, randomized clinical trial, we tend to investigate the effect of transcutaneous electric acupoint stimulation (TEAS) on hypotension in parturients undergoing cesarean section.

Inclusion Criteria:

• age ≥18 years
• American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status Ⅰ-Ⅱ
• singleton pregnancy
• full-term gestation (≥38 weeks)

Exclusion Criteria:

• Parturients suffering from preeclampsia
• Parturients with hypertension, diabetes, or cardiac dysfunction