Reactions 661 - 26 Jul 1997

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Fetal acidaemia rate higher with regional anaesthesia for caesarean delivery The rate of fetal acidaemia after elective caesarean delivery with spinal and epidural anaesthesia is significantly higher than after general anaesthesia in healthy women, according to the results of a Swiss study. However, the researchers point out that the higher risk of fetal acidaemia after regional anaesthesia must be weighed against the risks, especially to the mother, posed by general anaesthesia. The study used data collected by a Swiss obstetric study group and evaluated cases of elective caesarean section procedures in healthy women with uncomplicated singleton pregnancies at 36–42 weeks’ gestation. The study population consisted of women who underwent spinal (n = 1002), epidural (2155) or general anaesthesia (2649). Results showed that the odds ratio (OR) for fetal acidaemia* was significantly increased in the spinal anaesthesia group (4.67; 95% CI 2.73–8.01) and in the epidural group (2.39; 95% CI 1.42–4.04), compared with the general anaesthesia group. * defined as an umbilical artery pH < 7.10 Mueller MD, et al. Higher rate of fetal acidemia after regional anesthesia for elective Cesarean delivery. Obstetrics and Gynecology 90: 131-134, Jul 800548750 1997

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Reactions 26 Jul 1997 No. 661