the effects of propofol and thiopental on apgar score during cesarean section

bachground: to induce anesthesia in cesarean, thiopental is often used, and propofol may be used as an alternative. considering different effects and contradictions deriving from previous studies, this study aimed to investigate the effects of thiopental and propofol on apgar score. methods: a double blind clinical trial study was designed on pregnant women scheduled for elective cesarean. patients were randomly divided in two groups of 30 subjects. the first group received propofol and the second group received thiopental to induce anesthesia. heart rate, respiratory conditions, skin color of neonates and apgar score of 1st and 5th minute were recorded. blood pressure and heart rate of mothers was recorded five minutes before and after induction. results: the heart rate of neonates in the propofol group at the 30th second, was less than those in thiopental group. there was no statistical significant difference between respiratory status and the skin color of neonates at 30th second. in addition, there was no significant difference between the apgar score of 1st and 5th minute and the heart rate and blood pressure of mothers between two groups. conclusion: since propofol had no adverse effect on mothers’ hemodynamics and the clinical status of neonates, it can be used as an alternative drug to induce anesthesia.