Abstract
Fourteen experiments were conducted in seven chronically instrumented pregnant ewes equipped with electromagnetic flow probes around the main uterine arteries and with catheters inserted into maternal and fetal aorta and inferior vena cava. Following collection of baseline data, maternal observations were made at 15, 30, 45, 60, 90, 120, 150, and 180 minutes after a maternal intravenous bolus injection of Diazepam, 0.2 mg/kg, while fetal parameters were assessed 30, 90, and 150 minutes after drug infusion. Mean maternal pH decreased at 15 minutes (p <0.01) associated with a reduction in mean maternal PO2 (p <0.01) and an increase in mean maternal PCO2 (p <0.01), which persisted for most of the observation period. Reduction in maternal PO2 was not seen after 30 minutes until observed again at 150 and 180 minutes (p <0.01). Maternal and fetal blood pressure, fetal heart rate and uterine blood flow remained unchanged. Mean fetal pH decreased at 30, 90 and 150 minutes (p <0.01). Fetal PO2 decreased at 150 minutes (p <0.01).
Conclusion: Single bolus Diazepam administration is associated with modest reduction in fetal pH and PO2 without any changes in uterine blood flow. Changes in maternal respiratory physiology and/or a direct fetal effect may be responsible for these observations.
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Ayromlooi, J., Bandyopadhyay, S., Monheit, A. et al. 344 MATERNAL AND FETAL CARDIOVASCULAR RESPONSES TO SINGLE DOSE DIAZEPAM ADMINISTRATION IN PREGNANT EWES. Pediatr Res 19, 168 (1985). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198504000-00374
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198504000-00374