Could the Umbilical Cord Suggest the Method of Anesthesia?

Abstract

Objective: We aimed to investigate changes in aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine kinase-myocardial band (CK-MB), and troponin I levels, which were biochemical parameters that gave an idea regarding clinical conditions such as tissue damage and asphyxia, according to the anesthesia type, to compare their levels in mothers who gave birth with normal spontaneous vaginal delivery (NSVD) and to investigate whether the type of anesthesia applied caused a change in biochemical parameters. Methods: Of the 90 patients included in the present study, 30 (33.3%) underwent general anesthesia, while 30 (33.3%) underwent spinal anesthesia, and 30 (33.3%) gave birth with NSVD. AST, ALT, LDH, CK-MB, and troponin I levels were measured in all pregnant women before they were taken to the operating room or delivery room. After the baby was delivered, a blood sample was taken from the umblical artery to measure AST, ALT, LDH, CKMB, and troponin I levels. The APGAR scores, the need for oxygen, positive pressure ventilation, and intubation after delivery of the newborns were recorded. Results: Statistically significant increases were found in AST, ALT, LDH, and troponin I levels in umblical artery in all groups when compared with their levels in pregnant women before delivery. Conclusion: An increase in umbilical artery CK-MB and ALT levels was observed in the NSVD group. Due to the increase in umbilical artery CK-MB and ALT levels in the NSVD group, it was found that it was not appropriate to evaluate the effects of anesthesia on the newborn with these markers