The effect of low-frequency electroacupuncture on hemodynamic parameters and nausea in cesarean section patients under spinal anesthesia

Abstract

BackgroundHemodynamic changes and nausea remain common side effects of spinal anesthesia for parturients. It is suggested that electroacupuncture (EA) at master points of pericardial and heart meridians may have inotropic and vasoconstrictive effects. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of low-frequency EA at the Neiguan (PC-6) and Shenmen (HE-7) points on the incidence of hypotension, bradycardia, and nausea in patients undergoing cesarean section under spinal anesthesia. MethodsIn a double-blind clinical trial, 90 otherwise healthy candidates for elective cesarean section under spinal anesthesia were enrolled. Patients were allocated to receive stimulation with a frequency of 2 Hz for 20 min at PC-6 and HE-7 points (EA group), stimulation at two non-acupoints of the shoulder, and no treatment (control). Serial measurements of blood pressure, heart rate (HR), and the incidence of nausea and vomiting were compared among the three groups. ResultsMore ephedrine was required to maintain arterial blood pressure in the control and non-acupoint groups compared with the acupoint group (53.3, 30.3, and 21%, respectively; p=0.05). The severity of nausea and occurrence of vomiting in the acupuncture group was significantly lower than in the other two groups (p=0.01). ConclusionLow-frequency EA at the PC-6 and HE-7 points reduces the incidence of hypotension and severity of nausea/vomiting in cesarean section patients under spinal anesthesia.