The effect of propofol versus thiopentone on APGAR score of babies delivered and recovery of pregnant mothers undergoing elective cesarean section

Abstract

Background and objectives: The Apgar score is a vital indicator of the baby's well-being. This study aims to compare the effects of propofol and thiopental anesthetics on babies' Apgar scores and mothers' recovery times, this study was carried out. Methods: This single-arm interventional study was conducted in Zhyan and Soma Hospital in Sulaimani, Kurdistan Region of Iraq from February 2022 to July 2022. Separate doses of propofol and thiopental were given to 140 pregnant women who were candidates for elective cesarean section in two separate groups. Apgar scores at 1 and 5 minutes after birth, recovery time, and hemodynamic changes before and after the intervention were evaluated and compared. Results: The results of the diastolic pressure variable after the intervention and the hemodynamic variables were significantly different in each group before and after the intervention (P<0.001). The mean recovery time in propofol and thiopental groups was 21.4 ± 2.4 and 26.0 ± 1.8 minutes, respectively, and they were statistically significantly different (p<0.001). There was a statistically significant difference in the Apgar score at the 5th minute between the two groups (p=0.03). In terms of the need for resuscitation after the first minute, the results were in favor of the propofol group (p<0.001). Conclusion: Propofol can be used more safely since patients who had anesthesia with it had better hemodynamics, quicker recovery times, neonates with higher Apgar scores, and less need for postpartum resuscitation.