Opioids are more widely used in labour by the epidural than by the intrathecal route.
Therefore, the prophylactic use of vasopressors to prevent hypotension, particularly that occurring in the first few minutes after intrathecal injection, is logical.
Combined spinal and epidural anesthesia with low doses of intrathecal bupivacaine in women with severe preeclampsia: a preliminary report.
Intrathecal morphine is often added to the local anaesthetic to provide postoperative analgesia.
Despite intensive study, intrathecal morphine techniques have not been improved upon and it remains a second line drug.
The intrathecal injection of morphine did not adversely affect the condition of the infant.
Intrathecal baclofen requires considerable expertise and back-up, and thus is not cheap.
It is worth noting that the dose of intrathecal bupivacaine used was 7.5mg, which is less than that commonly used.
