Retrospective analysis on transient tachypnea of the newborn: is it associated with spinal anesthesia after cesarean section?

Abstract

We investigated whether maternal gestation, newborn gender, delivery times and cord blood gas and pH might play a role in the increased risk of transient tachypnea of the newborn (TTN) after cesarean section (C/S). Data from 114 term parturients scheduled for elective C/S under spinal anesthesia were retrospectively analyzed according to having a newborn with TTN or not. Presence of TTN, neonatal Apgar scores, umbilical artery (UA) and umbilical venous (UV) blood gas analysis and pH, total amount of fluid and ephedrine administered, time intervals related to delivery were documented. TTN was observed in 15 out of 114 cases (13.2%). No significant differences were observed in gestation age, Apgar scores, newborn gender, amount of ephedrine and fluid administered between newborns with or without TTN. Mean UA PO2 tensions of TTNs were significantly lower than in newborns without TTN (p=0.043). Time interval from spinal block to skin incision was significantly longer in newborns with TTN than without TTN (p=0.046). In conclusion, TTN might be associated with spinal anesthesia for C/S. Therefore, reducing the time interval from spinal block to onset of surgery might be one of the important factors to decrease the incidence of TTN after elective C/S under spinal anesthesia.