Abstract:Objective To compare the effects of preload and coload on the maternal cardiac output in cesarean section under epidural anesthesia. Methods Forty ASA Ⅰ-Ⅱ parturients scheduled for elective cesarean section were randomly divided into group A(preload) or group B(coload). In group A, 250mL Holm and 500mL lactated Ringers solutions were infused at speed of 25mL/(kg·h) before continuous epidural anesthesia; in group B, 250mL Holm and 500mL lactated Ringers solutions were infused at the time of anesthesia induction. Cardiac output(CO), stroke volume (SV), total peripheral vascular resistance index(TPRI), heart rate(HR) and mean arterial pressure(MAP) were recorded at T0(baseline), T1(anesthesia inducing), T2(5 min after induction), T3(10 min after induction), T4(operation beginning), T5(newborn delivery), T6(5 min after delivery), T7(10 min after delivery), and T8(the end of operation). The Apgar score, and the incidence of nausea, vomiting and maternal hypotension was also recorded. Results CO and SV in group A were higher than those in group B at T1(P<0.05); CO in group A was lower than that in group B at T7 and T8(P<0.05); SV was lower in group A than that in group B at T8(P<0.05). There were no significant differences in CO and SV between two groups at the other time points(P>0.05). The Apgar score, the incidence of common side effects are similar in two groups(P>0.05). Conclusion CO and SV are decreased significantly in preload group in the late period of the operation, though they are increased before anesthesia induction. CO and SV maintain stable during the whole operation in coload group.