Clinical evaluation of anesthesia for high-risk cesarean section at a tertiary medical center: retrospective study for 8 years (2009-2016)

Abstract

Objective The number of high-risk pregnancies is increasing in tertiary medical centers. Therefore, we investigated perioperative outcomes based on risk factors to ascertain proper maternal and neonatal management. Methods We reviewed the medical records of patients receiving cesarean sections over an 8-year period. Clinical parameters for anesthesia and the neonatal outcome were compared among high-risk groups after subdivision by the number of clinical risk factors. The groups were as follows: group A (one risk factor), group B (two risk factors), and group C (three or more risk factors). Results Patient age, estimated blood loss (EBL), and volume of transfused red blood cell (RBC) were higher in group B than group A. Birth weight, 1- and 5-minute Apgar scores, and gestational age were lower while the frequency of neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission was higher in group B than group A. Group C patients were significantly older than group A or B patients. Birth weight, 1- and 5-minute Apgar scores and gestational age were significantly lower while frequency of NICU admission was higher in group C than group A and B. Conclusion The number of maternal risk factors was positively associated with adverse outcomes in the neonates.