Korean J Anesthesiol.  2005 Jun;48(6):S15-S20. 10.4097/kjae.2005.48.6.S15.

Does Methergine Aggravate Chest Symptom and/or Electrocardiographic Changes during Cesarean Delivery under Spinal Anesthesia?

• Hong JY
• Oh JI

• KMID: 2238939
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4097/kjae.2005.48.6.S15

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Complaints of chest symptoms including pressure, tightness, or pain frequently occur during cesarean delivery under regional anesthesia. The aim of this study was to test whether methergine (methylergonovine maleate) aggravates chest symptoms and/or ECG changes during cesarean section under spinal anesthesia, and to determine if these changes are associated with any discernable intraoperative event.
METHODS
After delivery, patients were given intravenous methergine 0.2 mg and diluted oxytocin 10 i.u. in 1000 ml Ringer's lactate solution (Methergine group, n = 30) or diluted oxytocin 20 i.u. (Control group, n = 29). ECG and hemodynamic responses were monitored continuously on 12 leads perioperatively.
RESULTS
Methergine significantly increased the incidence of chest symptoms compared to the control group (30% vs. 3.4%, P < 0.05), but this increase was not correlated with ECG ST segment changes or with other intraoperative events. ECG changes suggestive of myocardial ischemia occurred in the two groups to similar extents (34.5% vs. 30%, P > 0.05).
CONCLUSIONS
Methergine-induced chest symptoms per se do not signify evident myocardial ischemia during cesarean delivery. However, anesthesiologists must not overlook the possibility of a small coronary arteriolar spasm, especially in high-risk patients.

Keyword

cesarean section; electrocardiogram; methylergonovine maleate; myocardial ischemia; spinal anesthesia

MeSH Terms

Anesthesia, Conduction
Anesthesia, Spinal*
Cesarean Section
Electrocardiography*
Female
Hemodynamics
Humans
Incidence
Lactic Acid
Methylergonovine*
Myocardial Ischemia
Oxytocin
Pregnancy
Spasm
Thorax*
Lactic Acid
Methylergonovine
Oxytocin