The Effects of Age on Neural Blockade and Hemodynamic Changes After Epidural Anesthesia with Ropivacaine

Abstract

Analgesia levels after the epidural administration of 15 mL of ropivacaine 1.0% increase with increasing age. This is associated with an increased incidence of hypotension in the elderly, although an effect of age on the hemodynamic homeostasis may have contributed. It appears that epidural doses should be adjusted for elderly patients.