British Journal of Anaesthesia, 1983, Vol. 55, No. 8 767-772
© 1983 The Board of Management and Trustees of the British Journal of Anaesthesia
research-article |
USE OF LORAZEPAM AS A PREMEDICANT FOR CAESAREAN SECTION
An evaluation of its effects on the mother and the neonate
Queen Charlotte's Maternity Hospital London W6
The effects of lorazepam premedication on the mother and baby were compared with those of a placebo in a double-blind study of 10 patients undergoing elective Caesarean section. There was little anxiolytic effect on the mothers, and no harmful effects to the babies occurred in respect of blood-gas tensions, heart rate, temperature or feeding patterns. Lorazepam did produce a transient effect on the neonatal respiratory rate and initially the babies had a reduced score on the Brazelton Assessment System.
Present address: Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, St Bartholomew's Hospital,London