Fluid preload before spinal anaesthesia in Caesarean section: the effect on neonatal acid-base status

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: We evaluated the effect of two different preload solutions: (i) Ringer's lactate (compound sodium lactate intravenous infusion BP) and (ii) 0.9% sodium chloride solution on the neonatal acid-base status of the newborn infants. The two standard regimens were compared to detect a possible difference. METHODS: A 2 L crystalloid fluid bolus was administered immediately before spinal anaesthesia for elective Caesarean section in two groups of 20 healthy parturients, while rigorously maintaining maternal normotension. RESULTS: No significant differences in the Apgar scores at 1 and 5 min, or infant well-being were demonstrated in either of the two groups. The data show that umbilical artery PCO2 is lower in the Ringer's lactate group and that pH is insignificantly higher by 0.03. CONCLUSIONS: The choice of Ringer's lactate or saline for fluid preload does not have any effect on neonatal well-being.