Plasma levels following lumbar epidural anesthesia with 0.75% bupivacaine
Biscoping, J.; Salomon, F.; Hempelmann, G.
Regional-Anaesthesie 7(2): 48-50
1984
ISSN/ISBN: 0171-1946 PMID: 6729153 Document Number: 236553
In ten patients undergoing total hip replacement, plasma levels of bupivacaine were studied, following lumbar epidural administration, with special reference to the early phase. In contrast to previous studies concerning the 0.5% solution, we found an early rise between 3 and 5 min, which was nearly identical with the peak level. The maximum concentration was 2.76 micrograms/ml and within the estimated safety margin. The necessity of preventing acidosis and hypoxia is pointed out when using bupivacaine 0.75%.