• P R Olang, D C Wamalwa, and Omondi-Ogutu.
• Department of Surgery, College of Health Sciences, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya.
• East Afr Med J. 2012 Oct 1; 89 (10): 317-21.

ObjectivesTo determine the incidence of neonatal acidaemia following delivery through caesarean section under spinal anaesthesia and determine the prevalence of maternal hypotension during Caesarean section under spinal anaesthesia and its correlation with neonatal acidaemia.DesignProspective observational study.SettingKenyatta National Hospital (KNH), Nairobi, Kenya.SubjectsOne hundred and seventy-two ASA I and II consecutive term patients undergoing elective Caesarean section under spinal anaesthesia.ResultsForty three babies (27.2%) were born with neonatal acidaemia, defined as umbilical arterial blood pH 7.2. There was, however, no significant difference in the five minute Apgar scores between the acidotic and non-acidotic neonates. Twenty eight patients (17.7%) developed maternal hypotension (systolic Blood Pressure less than 100mmHg). The hypotension was readily corrected within two minutes (mean of 1.43 minutes) of onset using vasopressors and boluses of intravenous fluids.ConclusionsA short period (< 2 minutes) mean of 1.43 minutes of maternal hypotension has no significant effect on the neonate as assessed by five minute Apgar Scores. Similarly, neonatal acidaemia following Caesarean delivery under spinal anaesthesia does not seem to have any short-term effects on neonatal well-being.

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