title: The use of remifentanil during general anesthesia for caesarean section.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purpose is to review the neonatal and maternal effects of remifentanil given at induction of general anesthesia for caesarean section and prior to delivery of the baby.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Remifentanil seems to have short-lived respiratory depressant effects in approximately 50% of neonates, requiring short periods of mask ventilation or tactile stimulation of the neonate. Remifentanil produces excellent maternal hemodynamic stability avoiding tachycardia and hypertension, possibly reducing the risk of maternal awareness.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Remifentanil can be safely used at induction of general anesthesia provided healthcare workers are available to manage short-lived neonatal depression.
authors.affiliation: Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Department of Anesthesiology, UZ Leuven, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
authors.forename: Marc
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Van de Velde
mesh_terms: D000701:Analgesics, Opioid / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000768:Anesthesia, General / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods*; D002585:Cesarean Section / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006439:Hemodynamics / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008431:Maternal-Fetal Exchange / Q000187:drug effects; D010880:Piperidines / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011247:Pregnancy; D000077208:Remifentanil; D012307:Risk Factors
chemical_list: D000701:Analgesics, Opioid; D010880:Piperidines; D000077208:Remifentanil