PLACENTAL TRANSFER OF ATROPINE AND THE EFFECT ON FOETAL HEART RATE

Abstract

The effect on the foetal heart rate of atropine administered intravenously to the mother is described in 51 cases. In 10 cases no foetal response was obtained within 30 minutes of injection. There was a tachycardia amounting to 10–27 per cent of the pre-test rate in 26 cases, without any initial bradycardia. In 15 cases there was either a bradycardia alone or. a bradycardia followed by a tachycardia amounting to 10–29 per cent of the resting rate. The failure of the placenta to transmit atropine suggests that its function is seriously reduced. The etfect of atropine, administered to the mother, on the foetal heart rate is of clinical as well as academic interest to the anaesthetist.