Severe preeclampsia: hemodynamic effects of lumbar epidural anesthesia

The hemodynamic effects of lumbar epidural anesthesia (LEA) were evaluated in 11 patients with severe preeclampsia. All patients were receiving magnesium sulfate upon entry into the study. Hemodynamic measurements were obtained before and after LEA, at delivery, and 2 hr postpartum. Lumbar epidural anesthesia significantly reduced mean arterial pressure from 121.4 mm Hg to 97.7 mm Hg, without altering cardiac index, pulmonary vascular resistance, central venous pressure (CVP), or pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP). There was a slight but statistically insignificant decrease in systemic vascular resistance from 1078 to 900.7 dynes X sec X cm-5. Cardiac index and left ventricular stroke work index were elevated in these patients, suggesting hyperdynamic left ventricular function. There was poor correlation between PCWP and CVP in several patients. We conclude that LEA may be used safely in severe preeclamptic patients and that pulmonary arterial catheters may help guide appropriate therapy in preeclamptic patients with cardiac failure or oliguria refractory to modest fluid challenges.