Effect of Suplemental Oxygen on the Apgar Score of Newborn Given to Mother Undergoing Elective Caesarian Section Under Spinal Anesthesia

Abstract

Objective: To determine the effect of supplemental oxygen on APGAR score of newborn babies, given to pregnant ladies undergoing elective lower segment caesarian section under spinal anesthesia. Study Design: Cohort study: Place and duration of study: Combined Military hospital Rawalpindi, from Jun 2010 to Mar 2011. Methodology:  One hundred and twenty full term pregnant ladies were enrolled by non probability consecutive sampling, who were scheduled for elective caesarian section under spinal anesthesia. The patients were randomized into two groups (A and B). In patients of Group A supplementation of oxygen was given to the mothers after spinal block, while in Group B, patients were not provided with supplemental oxygen after spinal anesthesia. Cases requiring general anesthesia or supplemental oxygen (in group  B) for some other reasons causing maternal hypoxia were excluded from the study. APGAR Score at one minute and five minute was recorded. Results: In total of one twenty newborns, 56 (47%) were males and 64 (53%) females. Mean age of the pregnant ladies under study was 35 + 5 in group A and 33 + 7 in group B. In group A, the value of APGAR score at one minute varied from 6 to 10 and, at five minute it was from 8 to 10. While in group B, the results of APGAR score were same without any significant difference (P>0.05). Conclusion: Supplemental oxygen has no role on the APGAR score of newborns but simple psychological satisfaction to some of the mothers at the cost of wastage of oxygen while in some patients causing anxiety, so patients should be educated on this aspect and un-necessary use of supplemental oxygen must be avoided.