Neonatal acid-base status following general anesthesia for emergency abdominal delivery with halothane or isoflurane.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To determine whether halothane or isoflurane as anesthesia for emergency abdominal delivery is associated with better fetal acid-base parameters. DESIGN: Randomized study. SETTING: Inpatient Level III perinatal referral center in a university hospital. PATIENTS: Sixty-six gravidas undergoing emergency abdominal delivery under general anesthesia for fetal distress. INTERVENTIONS: Randomization to receive halothane or isoflurane at 0.7 minimum alveolar concentration as part of a standard anesthetic technique. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Umbilical artery and vein blood gases were obtained and compared for hydrogen ion concentration, partial pressure of carbon dioxide, partial pressure of oxygen, and base deficit. There were no significant differences between the isoflurane and halothane groups. CONCLUSIONS: There is no difference in the frequency or severity of acidosis associated with isoflurane or halothane when used for general anesthesia for emergency abdominal delivery of a distressed fetus.