Comparison of Anesthesia Techniques Used in Cesarean Deliveries on the Neonate - Anesthesia Techniques and Neonate?

Background: Though there are many studies on the effects of anesthesia methods used for cesarean section on the newborn, research on this topic still continues. In our prospective observational study, we investigated the effects of different anesthesia techniques used in routine cesarean deliveries on early neonatal outcomes in our hospital. Methods: This prospective, observational, randomized study included a total of 222 ASA II risk group pregnant women undergoing elective cesarean section at term (38-41 weeks’ gestation) without fetal distress. The women were randomized into three groups. In the general anesthesia with propofol group (Group P, n = 74), anesthesia was induced with 2 mg∙kg-1 propofol and 0.6-0.9 mg∙kg-1 rocuronium. In the general anesthesia with thiopental sodium group (Group T, n = 74), anesthesia was induced with 5 mg∙kg-1 thiopental sodium and 0.6-0.9 mg∙kg-1 rocuronium. Women in the spinal anesthesia group (Group SA, n = 74) were administered 0.5% (10 mg) hypertonic bupivacaine and 10 mcg fentanyl. Results: There were no significant differences between Group SA, Group P, and Group T in terms of delivery time; neonatal 1- and 5-min Apgar scores; neonatal jaundice rates; neonatal systolic, diastolic, or mean blood pressure or peak heart rate; neonatal intensive care requirement; pH, PCO2, PO2 values in cord blood gas; or neonatal glucose and lactate values. The rate of ephedrine use was significantly higher in Group SA than in Group P and Group T. Maternal satisfaction score was higher in Group SA at postoperative 4 hours and in Group P at 24 hours. The number of newborns taken into intensive care unit in Group T was significantly higher in the 1st hour, 4th hour, 5th hour and total. Respectively p value (0.006, 0,048, 0,048, and 0,005). Pain on injection was present in 55% of patients (n = 81), mild in 36% (n = 54), and severe in 18% (n = 27). Myoclonies occurred in 4% of patients (n = 7) and local rash in 6% of patients (n = 10). Differences between formulations did not reach statistical significance. Conclusion: None of the three anesthesia methods showed superiority after elective cesarean delivery. However, spinal anesthesia and general anesthesia with propofol are more appropriate for pregnant women in terms of effects on the neonate.