Effect of intravenous remifentanil used in cesarean section on the parturient and neonate.

Objective To observe the effect of remifentanil administered intravenously combined with spinal-epidural anesthesia(CSEA)for cesarean section on the parturient and neonate.Methods Sixty healthy parturients scheduled for cesarean section under CSEA were randomly divided into three groups.Group C(control group)received saline,and Group R1 received 0.05 μg/(kg·min)remifentanil,and group R2 received 0.1 μg/(kg·min)remifentanil intravenously.Maternal vital signs were monitored,and sedation levels were assessed at skin incision.Maternal arterial(MA),umbilical arterial(UA),and umbilical venous(UV)blood samples were obtained at delivery for blood gas analysis.Apgar scores were assessed at 1st and 5th minute.Side effects of parturients and newborns were observed.Results There was a sedative effect on the mothers,but no severe sedation.Results of Apgar scores recorded at 1st and 5th minute were within normal limits.All neonates had Apgar scores ≥8 at 1st minute,and 10 at 5th minute.Umbilical cord blood gas analysis showed decreased mean UV pH in Group R2.There was difference between Group R2 and Group C.Conclusion Maternal sedation occurred in 0.05 μg/(kg·min)and 0.1 μg/(kg·min)remifentanil intravenously administered in CSEA for cesarean section,but without adverse effects on mothers and newborns.