Highlights
- •Opioids are effective agents to suppress the pressor response to laryngoscopy.
- •Remifentanil and alfentanil did not impact Apgar scores.
- •Remifentanil and alfentanil did not impact neonatal respiratory support requirement.
Abstract
Introduction
The adverse effects of induction opioids on the neonate are poorly characterised.
The study aim was to investigate whether induction opioids can be used in caesarean
section without adversely affecting the neonate.
Methods
Six databases were systematically searched from inception until January 2019. Included
studies compared induction opioids and placebo in caesarean section. Results were
presented as odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) for dichotomous outcomes and weighted
mean difference for continuous outcomes. An I2 statistic of >50% was significant for heterogeneity. The primary outcome was Apgar
score (1 and 5 min). Secondary outcomes included neonatal adverse events, cord blood
gas analyses, maternal haemodynamic parameters (systolic blood pressure (SBP), mean
arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR) and catecholamine concentrations.
Results
Seventeen studies (n=987) were included in the meta-analysis. Remifentanil 0.5–1 μg/kg
or 2–3 μg/kg/h, alfentanil 7.5–10 μg/kg and fentanyl 0.5–1 μg/kg were compared to
placebo. There was no significant difference in Apgar scores at 1 min (P=0.25, 0.58 and 0.89 respectively) for all three opioids or at 5 min for remifentanil
and alfentanil (P=0.08 and 0.21 respectively). Fentanyl significantly reduced 5 min Apgar scores (P=0.002). There was no difference in neonatal airway interventions with remifentanil
or alfentanil (P <0.05). All three induction opioids caused a significant reduction in maximum SBP
(P <0.0001), MAP (P <0.00001) and HR (P <0.00001).
Conclusion
Induction opioids are effective sympatholytic agents. Remifentanil and alfentanil
appear to be safe, with no significant effect on Apgar scores or neonatal airway intervention,
but a well-powered trial is required to confirm these findings.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: May 14, 2019
Accepted:
April 24,
2019
Identification
Copyright
© 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
