Maternal Hypotension with Regional Anesthesia for Elective Cesarean Delivery: Risk factor and Impact on Neonate Outcome

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: This study was performed to determine the prevalence and risk factor of hypotension among pregnant women undergoing elective cesarean section under regional anesthesia, and whether hypotension has any impact on neonate outcome. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of 440 mother-infant pairs after elective cesarean section under regional anesthesia. Data collection included information on maternal blood pressure during the cesarean section, cord blood pH and Apgar score. RESULTS: This study revealed that 20.5% of the mothers underwent a decrease in mean arterial blood pressure by ≥30% and 1.1% of the mothers underwent a decrease in mean arterial blood pressure by ≥50%. Hypotension was more severe among the mother in those with preoperative hypertension and high body weight. The occurrence of maternal hypotension during cesarean section were not found to predict any complications like low Apgar score, need for oxygen treatment, even though fetal cord blood pH. CONCLUSION: Despite a maternal hypotension during elective cesarean section under regional anesthesia, healthy term infants seem to tolerate decreased placental blood perfusion.