MedPath

Cerebrospinal Acid-base in Pregnant and Non-pregnant Fertile Women

Conditions
Respiratory Alkalosis
Cerebrospinal Fluid
Pregnancy
Acid-Base Imbalance
Interventions
Diagnostic Test: Acid - Base characterization
Registration Number
NCT03496311
Lead Sponsor
Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico
Brief Summary

The third trimester of pregnancy is typically characterized by the development of a marked respiratory alkalosis. The possible role of pregnancy-induced variations of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) acid-base characteristics on the development of hypocapnic alkalosis is still unknown.

Aim of this study is to characterize, according to Stewart's approach, the acid-base equilibrium of CSF and arterial plasma of pregnant women and compare the results with data obtained from fertile, non-pregnant women.

Detailed Description

The reduction in plasma PCO2 correlates with gestational age and was shown to be associated to plasma progesterone concentrations. We hypothesize that pregnancy-related haemodilution, inducing a reduction in CSF Strong Ion Difference (SID), might have a role in the development of pregnancy-related hypocapnic alkalosis.

Samples of CSF and arterial plasma of pregnant women with gestational age \> 35 weeks undergoing spinal anesthesia for elective caesarean section will be analyzed for blood gases, pH, electrolytes, osmolality, albumin and haemoglobin concentration. In addition plasma copeptin levels will be analyzed. The same measurements will be performed in fertile, non-pregnant women undergoing spinal anesthesia for elective surgery.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
UNKNOWN
Sex
Female
Target Recruitment
40
Inclusion Criteria
  • Pregnancy with gestational age > 35 weeks
  • Scheduled elective cesarean section under spinal anesthesia
Exclusion Criteria
  • known respiratory or neurologic disease
  • multiple pregnancies

Study & Design

Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Study Design
Not specified
Arm && Interventions
GroupInterventionDescription
Control GroupAcid - Base characterizationFertile, non-pregnant women undergoing spinal anesthesia for elective surgery.
Pregnant WomenAcid - Base characterizationPregnant women with gestational age \> 35 weeks undergoing spinal anesthesia for elective cesarean section.
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Strong Ion Difference1 day

Strong Ion Difference (expressed in milliequivalents per Liter \[mEq/L\]) of cerebrospinal fluid and arterial plasma

Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PCO2)1 day

PCO2 (expressed in millimeters of Mercury \[mmHg\]) of cerebrospinal fluid and arterial plasma

Sum of albumin (expressed in mmol/L) and Phosphates (expressed in mmol/L)1 day

The total amount of weak non carbonic acids, i.e. the sum of albumin and phosphates (both expressed in mmol/L) of cerebrospinal fluid and arterial plasma

Difference between cerebrospinal fluid and arterial plasma Strong Ion Difference (Delta SID)1 day

The difference between plasma and cerebrospinal fluid SID (expressed in mEq/L) will be calculated as marker of electrolyte inbalance between these two extracellular fluid compartments. Delta SID = SIDcsf - SIDplasma

Difference between cerebrospinal fluid and arterial plasma partial pressure of CO2 (Delta PCO2)1 day

The difference between cerebrospinal fluid and arterial plasma PCO2 (expressed in mmHg) will be calculated as a marker of acid-base equilibrium between these two extracellular fluid compartments. Delta PCO2 = SIDplasma - SIDcsf

Progesterone levels1 day

Plasma and CSF Progesterone levels (expressed in ng/mL) will be measured

Copeptin levels1 day

Plasma copeptin levels (expressed in pmol/L) will be measured as a marker of antidiuretic hormone activity

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico

🇮🇹

Milan, Italy

© Copyright 2025. All Rights Reserved by MedPath