The Impact of Maternal Spinal Anesthesia on Newborn Out-Comes: A Clinical Perspective

Background/Objectives: Spinal anesthesia, frequently used in cesarean deliveries, can have a significant impact on newborns. This study aims to evaluate the effects of spinal anesthesia with morphine or fentanyl as adjuvants on neonatal outcomes. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted over a s...

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Main Authors: Ramona Celia Moisa, Nicoleta Negrut, Iulia Codruta Macovei, Cristina Aur, Mihai Octavian Botea, Paula Bianca Maghiar, Cezar Cristian Mihai Moisa, Harrie Toms John, Paula Marian
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-03-01
Series:Children
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2227-9067/12/4/450
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Summary:Background/Objectives: Spinal anesthesia, frequently used in cesarean deliveries, can have a significant impact on newborns. This study aims to evaluate the effects of spinal anesthesia with morphine or fentanyl as adjuvants on neonatal outcomes. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted over a specific period on 170 newborns delivered via cesarean section at the Pelican Clinic, Medicover Hospital, Romania. The neonatal parameters assessed included Apgar scores at 1 and 5 min, oxygen saturation, respiratory rate, and heart rate in two groups of newborns whose mothers underwent spinal anesthesia with bupivacaine combined with either morphine or fentanyl (group M_n and group F_n). Statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS Statistics (version 29.0.2.0 (20)). Results: Newborns in the M_n group had significantly higher Apgar scores at 1 min compared to those in the F_n group (9.63 ± 0.57 vs 9.40 ± 0.65, <i>p</i> = 0.010); however, at 5 min, the scores were comparable between groups. Regarding oxygen saturation, male neonates born to mothers who received morphine had significantly higher values than those in the fentanyl group (96.08 ± 4.14% vs. 94.50 ± 4.36%, <i>p</i> = 0.026), whereas no significant differences were observed in female neonates. Conclusions: The use of morphine in maternal spinal anesthesia may improve immediate neonatal adaptation, particularly in male newborns.
ISSN:2227-9067