The effect of low dose fentanyl as a premedication before induction of general anesthesia on the neonatal apgar score in cesarean section delivery: randomized, double-blind controlled trial

Background: The administration of opioids before induction of general anesthesia can be considered as a problem in cesarean section. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of intravenous Fentanyl as a premedication before induction of general anesthesia versus placebo on maternal hemodynamic parameters and on the first and fifth minutes Apgar score in the neonates in elective cesarean delivery. Methods: This double- blinded, randomized, clinical trial study was conducted in 2014-2015 at Vali-e-Asr hospital, Birjand, Iran. Ninety full term pregnant women undergoing elective cesarean section delivery under general anesthesia were selected. The participants were randomly classified into two groups: The Fentanyl group and the placebo. Iintravenous Fentanyl 1μg/kg was administrated three minutes before anesthesia induction for the Fentanyl group, and 2 milliliter normal saline was administered for the placebo group. Maternal mean arterial pressure, heart rate before the start of anesthesia induction and thirty seconds after intubation were measured. Also, the first and fifth minutes Apgar scores of the neonates were evaluated and recorded by a blinded anesthesiologist. The clinical trial registration number was IRCT2015010320112N3. Results: Maternal mean arterial pressure was significantly lower in the Fentanyl group than the placebo group after intubation. Heart rate was significantly higher in the placebo group before the start of anesthesia induction and after intubation compared to the Fentanyl group. The first and fifth minutes’ Apgar scores of the neonates were not statistically different between the two groups. Conclusion: Administration of 1μg/Kg intravenous Fentanyl before the induction of anesthesia for cesarean section delivery decreases maternal hemodynamic changes after intubation. In addition, it does not have any effect on Apgar scores of the neonate in the 1st and 5th minutes after birth.