Dexamethasone Versus Ondansetron for Preventing Post-Spinal Hypotension in Preeclampsia

This study compares the efficacy and safety of intravenous dexamethasone versus intravenous ondansetron in preventing low blood pressure (hypotension) following spinal anesthesia in pregnant women with preeclampsia undergoing scheduled cesarean delivery. Spinal anesthesia is the preferred anesthetic method for cesarean delivery, but it frequently causes a sudden drop in maternal blood pressure. In patients with preeclampsia, post-spinal hypotension can compromise blood flow to the placenta and vital organs. While traditional vasopressor medications are used to restore blood pressure, non-adrenergic prophylactic agents such as dexamethasone and ondansetron may help maintain hemodynamic stability through different physiological pathways. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either intravenous dexamethasone (8 mg) or intravenous ondansetron (4 mg) 15 minutes prior to the initiation of spinal anesthesia. Blood pressure, heart rate, vasopressor requirements, optic nerve sheath diameter, and maternal and neonatal outcomes will be monitored throughout the surgery and during the immediate postoperative period.