The effect on uteroplacental blood flow of epidural anaesthesia containing adrenaline for caesarean section

Abstract
The effect on uteroplacental blood flow of an epidural anaesthesia containing adrenaline for caesarean section was investigated in ten healthy women using dynamic placental scintigraphy with indium‐113m and a computer‐linked gamma camera. The epidural anaesthesia was performed with 18–22 ml bupivacaine 5mg/ml with adrenaline 2.5 μg/ml followed by an i.v. balanced electrolyte infusion of 10 ml/kg b.w. A significant median decrease in the total maternal placental blood flow of 34% was found (PPP<0.05).