Effect of phenylephrine on the haemodynamic state and cerebral oxygen saturation during anaesthesia in the upright position

Abstract

BackgroundThe upright sitting or beachchair position is associated with hypotension, risk of cerebral hypoperfusion, and cerebral injury. We hypothesized that by increasing arterial pressure with phenylephrine administration, cerebral perfusion, and postoperative recovery would be improved.MethodsThirty-four patients undergoing elective shoulder surgery were randomized to receive either saline or phenylephrine infusion (PE) 5 min before being placed in the upright position. Simultaneous measurements of mean arterial pressure, cerebral oxygen saturation, middle cerebral artery velocity, and cardiac function using transthoracic echocardiography were made. Postoperative neurocognitive function ..