Prophylactic Intravenous administration of ondansetron for prevention of spinal anesthesia induced hypotension in elderly patients.

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of intravenous Ondansetron in reducing the incidence of spinal anesthesia-induced hypotension in elderly patients undergoing elective surgery. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: Independent University Hospital Faisalabad. Period: February 1, 2024, to July 31, 2024. Methods: One hundred elderly patients (aged 50-80 years) undergoing elective surgical procedures under spinal anesthesia, meeting the inclusion and exclusion criteria, were enrolled after obtaining informed consent. Ondansetron (8 mg) was administered intravenously five minutes before spinal anesthesia. Blood pressure was monitored at three-minute intervals for 30 minutes post-procedure to assess the incidence of hypotension, defined as a systolic blood pressure drop exceeding 20% from baseline or below 90 mmHg. Statistical analysis included chi-square tests for associations between demographic variables and hypotension incidence. Results: The study found hypotension in 39% of patients despite Ondansetron administration. Stratification by age, gender, and body mass index (BMI) showed no significant associations with hypotension incidence. Conclusion: Ondansetron demonstrated partial efficacy in reducing spinal anesthesia-induced hypotension. Future research with control groups and larger cohorts is recommended to confirm these findings and explore optimal preventive strategies.