title: Supplementary oxygen administration for elective Caesarean section under spinal anaesthesia.
abstract: We investigated the necessity for administration of supplementary oxygen to mothers undergoing elective Caesarean section under spinal anaesthesia. Sixty-nine women undergoing elective Caesarean section were randomly allocated to one of three groups to be given either oxygen (40%) by facemask, air by facemask or oxygen at 2 l x min(-1) by nasal cannulae. Umbilical arterial and venous blood samples were taken and analysed immediately after delivery. The results showed that there were no significant differences in the umbilical arterial or venous pH, partial pressure of oxygen and partial pressure of carbon dioxide between any of the three groups. We also assessed the patient acceptability of oxygen administered by facemask vs. nasal cannulae should the need for supplementary oxygen arise. It was found that use of the facemask impeded communication.
authors.affiliation: Simpson Memorial Maternity Pavilion, Royal Infirmary, Lauriston Place, Edinburgh EH3 9YW, UK.
authors.forename: M S
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Cogliano
authors.forename: A C
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Graham
authors.forename: V A
authors.initials: VA
authors.lastname: Clark
mesh_terms: D000281:Administration, Intranasal; D000328:Adult; D000773:Anesthesia, Obstetrical; D000775:Anesthesia, Spinal; D002245:Carbon Dioxide / Q000097:blood; D002585:Cesarean Section; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D005312:Fetal Blood / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D007430:Intraoperative Care / Q000379:methods*; D008397:Masks; D008431:Maternal-Fetal Exchange; D010100:Oxygen / Q000097:blood; D010102:Oxygen Inhalation Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D010313:Partial Pressure; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011247:Pregnancy
chemical_list: D002245:Carbon Dioxide; D010100:Oxygen