Abstract
Background and Objectives. Changes in uterine tone have been postulated as the cause of fetal bradycardia following subarachnoid administration of fentanyl for labor analgesia. Such a case occurred in a 20-year-old parturient with an intrauterine pressure catheter in place. Methods. The patient was given intravenous terbutaline, after which contractions ceased for 20-30 minutes and then resumed. Results. The patient underwent successful cesarean delivery. Retrospective analysis of the data revealed a significant increase in uterine tone and contractions following fentanyl administration. Conclusions. This case supports the view that changes in uterine tone, producing a hyperdynamic contractile state and a resulting decrease in uteroplacental perfusion, may explain the fetal bradycardia following subarachnoid opioid administration. Cases that do not resolve spontaneously may respond to intra-venous terbutaline.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 378-381 |
Number of pages | 4 |
Journal | Regional Anesthesia |
Volume | 22 |
Issue number | 4 |
State | Published - 1997 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Fentanyl
- Fetal bradycardia
- Intrauterine pressure catheter
- Subarachnoid labor analgesia
- Terbutaline
- Uterine tone
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine