The induction-delivery interval and fetal depression at caesarean section

Abstract

Summary The Apgar score of 202 babies delivered by elective caesarean section under general anaesthesia using thiopentone as induction agent was studied in relation to induction-delivery interval. A total of 155 babies (76·7 per cent) had Apgar scores of 7 to 10 at 1 minute and 47 (23·3 per cent) 6 or less. A total of 106 babies with induction-delivery intervals of between 11 and 15 minutes had Apgar scores of 7 to 10, while 18 babies with induction-delivery intervals of 5 minutes or less had Apgar scores of 6 or less at 1 minute. It is suggested that the depressive effect blamed on thiopentone is time-related and the best induction-delivery interval for the baby using general anaesthesia with thiopentone as induction agent is 11 to 15 minutes