Halothane 2% for caesarean section

Abstract

During the induction-delivery interval for Caesarean section delivery, 2% halothane in pure oxygen was administered. The technique was compared to a 0.5% halothane in 50% oxygen/50% nitrous oxide anaesthesia. When a continuous infusion of oxytocin was administered, no excessive haemorrhage was seen. No maternal reminiscence was seen using 2% halothane, but awareness was recorded using 0.5% halothane in 50% nitrous oxide in 15% of the mothers. When there were no signs of preoperative fetal distress, the neonates were unaffected by the halothane concentration provided the induction-delivery interval was short. In cases of fetal distress, the administration of 2% halothane further aggravated the condition of the neonates, as indicated by lowered 1-min Apgar scores, umbilical oxygen tensions, pH and base excess values.