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Original scientific paper

Impact of intravenous oxytocin on lung haemodynamics and gas exchange during caesarean section under general and spinal anaesthesia

Krešimir Reiner ; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Clinical Hospital Center Zagreb
Josip Juras orcid id orcid.org/0000-0002-1801-5732 ; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Clinical Hospital Center Zagreb
Marko Čačić ; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Clinical Hospital Center Zagreb
Slobodan Mihaljević ; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Clinical Hospital Center Zagreb


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Abstract

Numerous studies have proven haemodynamic effects of oxytocin, yet there is not much knowledge about the impact of oxytocin on lung haemodynamics and gas exchange. Our goal was to determine the potential impact of intravenous oxytocin on lung haemodynamics and arterial oxygen saturation in patients undergoing Caesarean delivery and to determine the possible difference in arterial oxygen saturation between general and spinal anaesthesia after intravenous administration of oxytocin. Methods. Total of 215 patients scheduled for elective Caesarean delivery were included in the study and randomised into two groups: Caesarean section under spinal anaesthesia and Caesarean section under general anaesthesia. After excluding the patients with severe intraoperative blood loss and those given the standard doses of oxytocin, 70 patients (35 per group) were left for statistical analysis. Patients in both groups were given 10 international units (IU) of oxytocin as a bolus dose plus 10 IU of oxytocin in infusion through 3 minutes, after clamping and cutting of the umbilical cord. Oxygen saturation values throughout the whole procedure were compared between the two groups. Results. Oxygen saturation values decreased more often and to a greater degree in general anaesthesia group than in the spinal anaesthesia group after intravenous administration of oxytocin (all P < 0.05). Conclusion. Drop in arterial oxygen saturation after intravenous oxytocin is inside the safety range among full-term healthy partiurents undergoing spinal or general anaesthesia for Caesarean section. Larger studies on patients with risk factors are needed to conclude the safety of oxytocin in those patients.

Keywords

oxytocin; Caesarean section; lung haemodynamics; gas exchange

Hrčak ID:

251765

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/251765

Publication date:

1.7.2017.

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