Korean J Anesthesiol.  1983 Dec;16(4):369-375.

Effect of Enflurane Anesthesia on Parturients and Neonates in Cesarean Section

• Lee YS
• Kang YH
• Yu HK
• Kim JR
• Park KW

Abstract

There is still controversy over applying enflurane anesthesia to cesarean sections in obstetrics. Clinical experience has suggested that the uterine depressant effects of halothane and enflurane are dose-dependent. In low concentrationss both agents have been used successfully as anesthetics for Cesarean section, whereas in higher concentrations, both have been employed when indicated to produce ceseation of uterine activity. The purpose of this clinical research is to investigate the impact of enflurane in low concentrations on neonates and parturients during Cesarean section. Sixty parturients for elective Cesarean section were divided into two groups. One group of parturients(l) were anesthetised with N2O-O2-thiopental-Thalamonal.The other group(ll) were anesthetised as the first group, except enflurane in low concentration added to the inhalation agent. Then group(l) was compared with the group(ll). Common aspects between the two groups are as follows: 1) No difference in blood gas status of maternal artery, umbilical vein or umbilical artery was identified. 2) Mean Apgar scores were above 8 point both 1 minute and 5 minutes after birth. 3) Mean neonatal neurological and adaptive capacity scores(NACS) were high both 15 minutes and 2 hours after birth. 4) Blood loss and administration of oxytocia during wurgery were almost the same. The results suggest that enflurane in low concentrations does not cause significant perinatal depression, and that fetoplacental exchange is well maintained during anesthesis. The anesthetic was well tolerated by the mothers and there were no instances of factual recall, no cardiac arrhythmia was observed, no significant hypotension was encountered and blood loss was not excessive. In conclusion, it is thought to be safe to add enflurane in low concentrations to general anesthesia in Cesarean section.

MeSH Terms

Anesthesia*
Anesthesia, General
Anesthetics
Arrhythmias, Cardiac
Cesarean Section*
Depression
Enflurane*
Female
Halothane
Humans
Hypotension
Infant, Newborn*
Inhalation
Mothers
Obstetrics
Parturition
Pregnancy
Umbilical Arteries
Veins
Anesthetics
Enflurane
Halothane