Different anesthesiologic strategies have no effect on neonatal jaundice.

OBJECTIVE

In this prospective study, we examined the influence of either segmental epidural anesthesia with bupivocaine hydrochloride or general anesthesia with sevoflurane on serum bilirubin levels and jaundice in neonates born with caesarean section.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

The patients at 38-40 weeks were included into this prospective study. General anesthesia group (sevoflurane); Group A, (n=66) and segmental epidural anesthesia group (bupivocaine hydrochloride); Group B, (n=76) underwent caesarean section under elective circumstances. Neonatal serum bilirubin levels were determined at the ages of 24 h and 5 days in 142 infants. The sexuality, weight, 5th minute APGAR scores, hematocrit levels of the neonates were recorded. The neonates who needed phototherapy were also noted. The results in Group A and Group B were compared.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference on bilirubin levels between two groups and the incidence of hyperbilirubinemia did not differ statistically (p>0.05). The percent of the newborns who needed phototherapy displayed no significant differences between the deliveries by caesarean section under general or segmental epidural anesthesia.

CONCLUSION

Our findings support the clinical studies which have not demonstrated an association between different anesthesiologic strategies and neonatal jaundice.