Hypotension during epidural analgesia for Caesarean section. Arterial and central venous pressure changes after acute intravenous loading with two litres of Hartmann's solution.

The incidence of hypotension occurring in women undergoing Caesarean section with epidural analgesia was investigated in 60 patients receiving an intravenous preload of two litres Hartmann's solution. Hypotension occurred in only 6.7% of patients. Central venous pressure measurements in 20 patients confirmed the safety of the technique. A comparison is made with other preloading techniques.