Objectives: This study aimed to determine the effect of lower leg compression during cesarean section (CS) on post-spinal hypotension (PSH) and neonatal hemodynamic parameters.
Methods: This study is a nonrandomized controlled clinical trial conducted in the cesarean delivery unit of the National Medical institute, Damanhour, Egypt. The sample included 120 parturients (60 inter- vention and 60 control). The researchers developed three tools for data collection: sociodemographic data and reproductive history interview schedule, electronic monitoring of maternal hemodynamic parameters, and neonatal hemodynamic assessment sheet. All parturients received ordinary pre- operative care. For the intervention group, a long elastic stocking (ordinary pressure 20e30 mmHg, 1
mmHg ¼ 0.133 kPa) was applied on both legs during cesarean section. The control group received the
same care without the elastic stocking.
Results: Systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and mean arterial blood pressure were significantly higher in the intervention group throughout the entire operation period except in the last 5 e15 min. Heart rate was significantly lower in the intervention group. Only 13.3% of the intervention group took ephedrine compared with 45% of the control group. Apgar score was higher among neonates of intervention group compared with the control group at 1 min. Neonatal acidosis was significantly higher in the control group than in the contral group.
Conclusion: Lower leg compression technique can effectively reduce PSH and neonatal acidosis.