ABSTRACT :

To compare the neonatal apgar scores and umbilical cord blood values in neonates delivered via caesarean section under spinal and general anesthesia.

METHODS :

Two groups of 20 neonates each, delivered via LSCS from ASA ! and II Full term pregnant women were studied prospectively , Group 1 – Spinal Anesthesia, Group 2 – General Anesthesia . Apgar Scores at 1 and 5 minutes, Umbilical Cord blood PH, PCO2, PO2 , HCO3 values were recorded and compared . statistical analysis using SPSS, Independant sample T test .

RESULTS :

i) Apgar at 1 minute Group 1 mean 8 , Group 2 –mean 8 (p value 1 –Not Significant)

ii) Apgar at 5 minutes Group 1 mean 9.12 , Group 2 mean 9 ( p value .154 not significant

iii) Umb PH Group 1 , mean 7.33 , Group 2 mean 7.32 ( p value . 46 not significant

iv) Umb PCO2 Group 1 mean 43.21, Group 2 mean 44.77 ( p value .577 not significant

v) Umb PO2 Group 1 mean 26.7, Group 2 mean 34.3 ( p value 0.001 , significant )

vi) Umb HCO 3 Group I mean 35.41 , Group 2 mean 22.5 ( p value . 33 , not significant

vii) Umb SO2 Group 1 mean 44.68 , Group 2 mean 58.59 ( p value .013 significant )

CONCLUSIONS :

Though Spinal Anesthesia is a preferred modality for LSCS due to perceived maternal benefits, the literature on the effects on the neonates are equivocal. In our study , in the two groups , spinal and General anesthesia Only Umbilical Cord blood PO2 ,and SO2 were significantly higher in Group 2 ,viz general Anesthesia. .There was no difference in Apgar Scores ,Umbilical Cord blood PH , PCO2 and Bicarbonate values between the groups

Conclusion :

Our pilot study shows that general anesthesia results in marginally better oxygenation for the neonates . All other parameters are not significantly different