Analysis of Neonatal Outcome with Supplemental Oxygen to Mother during Elective Cesarean Section under Spinal Anesthesia: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND: Many questions have arisen on benefits of routine use of supplemental oxygen during elective cesarean section (CS) under spinal anesthesia. AIMS: The aim of this randomized controlled study was to evaluate neonatal outcome in immediate postpartum period with or without supplemental oxygen to mother, undergoing elective CS under spinal anesthesia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred and thirty-four nonlaboring term pregnant women were allocated randomly into two groups to breathe room air (air group) or oxygen (oxygen group). Times from starting oxygen supplementation to delivery interval, skin incision to delivery (I-D) interval, and uterine incision to delivery (U-D) interval were recorded. APGAR scores were assessed at 1 min and 5 min after delivery. Umbilical cord blood gas analysis was done immediately to measure pH, oxygen partial pressure, carbon dioxide partial pressure (PCO(2)), and bicarbonate. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Statistical comparisons were performed using either Student's t-test or Mann–Whitney U-test. RESULTS: For oxygen group versus air group, In Oxygen group, proportion of fetal acidosis was significantly less; umbilical arterial (UA) blood pH (7.22 ± 0.05 vs. 7.19 ± 0.05, P = 0.001) as well as umbilical venous (UV) blood pH (7.26 ± 0.05 vs. 7.22 ± 0.06, P < 0.001) were significantly higher and UA PCO2 (55.4 ± 9.9 vs. 62.9 ± 6.9, P = 0.001) and UV PCO2 (51.4 ± 8.2 vs. 54.3 ± 7.2, P = 0.036) were significantly lower compared to air group. APGAR scores were similar between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: Supplemental oxygen has potential benefits as demonstrated by less proportion of FA in mothers receiving supplemental oxygen.