Comparison of different doses of Fentanyl for prevention of hemodynamic changes during induction and intubation in parturients undergoing caesarian section under general anesthesia.

Introduction: Present study was designed to find low, safe and efficacious dose of fentanyl to avoid its foetal side effects by comparing two doses of fentanyl to prevent haemodynamic hazards at induction and intubation in patients undergoing caesarean section (CS) under general anaesthesia (GA).

Method: Forty five full term parturients posted for emergency/elective caesarean section under GA of ASA Grade I or II, age group between 18 to 35 years were randomly distributed into three groups. Intravenous fentanyl 0.5µg/kg or1µg/kg diluted to 5 ml or normal saline 5 ml was administered three minutes before induction in Group F 0.5, Group F1or Group C respectively. Maternal haemodynamic parameters and foetal parameters were recorded at different time intervals.

Results: Group F and Group F1 showed significant reduction and stability in maternal haemodynamics when compared with the control group, but no statistical difference was observed amongst them. No difference was observed in foetal Apgar score and cord blood pH in all three groups.

Conclusion: Fentanyl in doses as low as 0.5µg/kg can be used safely in parturients to prevent haemodynamic hazards at intubation in patients undergoing CS under GA.