Epinephrine and Phenylephrine Infusions in Cesarean Delivery

A recent study compared the hemodynamic effects of epinephrine and phenylephrine infusions during cesarean delivery under spinal anaesthesia. The study included 98 pregnant women in each group. The primary outcome, a composite of hypotension, hypertension, bradycardia, and tachycardia, occurred in 31% of the epinephrine group and 32% of the phenylephrine group. However, the incidence of hypotension was likely lower in the epinephrine group, while tachycardia was higher. Both groups had comparable neonatal outcomes. The study concluded that epinephrine and phenylephrine infusions resulted in similar maternal hemodynamics and neonatal outcomes, with epinephrine associated with a higher incidence of maternal tachycardia and a likely lower incidence of maternal hypotension compared to phenylephrine.