OAA Large Project Grant

The successful applicant for the OAA Large Project Grant was:

Dr David Thomas Monks

Guys and St. Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London

Title
A comparison of intrathecal hyperbaric prilocaine vs bupivacaine for regional anaesthesia indicated for cervical cerclage in pregnancy. A randomised, controlled, trial (PRILOCC Trial)

Amount
£53,382

Scientific Abstract
Introduction
Cervical cerclage is used to prevent premature pregnancy loss or early birth. It is most commonly performed under spinal anaesthesia as a day case procedure. Return of motor power and bladder control are therefore important factors in the care pathway. Some patients need admission and use of an indwelling urinary catheter. Urinary retention can result in long term morbidity. Hyperbaric prilocaine has been shown to have shorter recovery times when compared to hyperbaric bupivacaine. There are no studies comparing these two drugs in this setting.

Aims
We will compare the recovery from subarachnoid block using prilocaine with that of bupivacaine time taken to have return of full lower limb motor power.

Methods
This will be a randomised controlled trial comparing subarachnoid block with 10mg hyperbaric 0.5% bupivacaine with that using 40mg hyperbaric 2% prilocaine. We will measure time taken for return of full motor power. We will compare time to first micturition and need of bladder catheterisation and incidence of known side-effects of both drugs and patient satisfaction.

Implications
If there is a clinically significant difference between the two choices of drug for subarachnoid block, this could mean earlier hospital discharge, reduced risk of bladder morbidity and improved patient satisfaction.