Use of Phenylephrine during anaesthesia for elective Caesarean section in a patient with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy

We report on anaesthesia management for elective Caesarean section in a par turient woman with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM). Special considerations for anaesthesia are associated with this condition. Women wi th HOCM need a closed diagnostic and therapeutic follow-up during pregnancy . Anaesthesiologists have to be aware of the cardiac peculiarities. Special risks may arise from endogenous catecholamine release during labour or fro m therapy with beta-adrenergic drugs for treatment of blood pressure drops or suppression of uterine contractions. Epidural anaesthesia is an appropri ate anaesthesia method for Caesarean section,also in patients with HOCM. Ad equate hemodynamic monitoring is essential. Phenylephrine is a pure alpha-a drenergic vasoconstrictor without inotropic effects. It is suitable for the rapy of blood pressure drops induced by peripheral vasodilation.