[Effect of general anesthesia with Alfatesine on the newborn infant in obstetrical practice]

Abstract

We studied in 130 parturients during childbirth the effects of general anaesthesia by Alfatesine on the state of the foetus at birth. The examinations took into account the APGAR score, blood gas analysis, pH, bases excess in the umbilical artery and vein and the foetal EEG. The subjects are divided into three groups: prophylactic caesarians, extractions during labor in the absence of any foetal distress and extractions for reasons of acute or chronic foetal distress. The results are evaluated in comparison with the same tests conducted on a series of newborn infants in normal conditions and without anaesthesia. The APGAR score is hardly affected by the Alfatesine; the EEG is perturbed (but without any clinical manifestations) during the two hours following delivery. However, theses modifications are less pronounced than those observed with barbiturates. The study of blood gases and pH shows lower values under anaesthesia than without.