SCIENTIFIC ARTICLES: PDF OnlyReducing the Risk of Acid Aspiration During Cesarean SectionROBERTS, ROBERT B. M.D.; SHIRLEY, MICHAEL A. M.D. Author Information New York, New York* Read at the 48th Congress of the International Anesthesia Research Society, March 10-14, 1974, San Francisco, California. Anesthesia & Analgesia 53(6):p 859-868, November 1974. Free Abstract Acid-aspiration pneumonitis is a significant cause of anesthetic maternal mortality. A study of 100 patients for cesarean section (c-section) showed that the presence of a high gastric content volume or a low pH cannot be excluded in any patient, irrespective of the time between the last meal and either onset of labor or delivery. Patients for elective c-section are equally, if not more, at risk. Administration of oral antacid within 4 hours of inducing anesthesia did not affect the gastric content volume but significantly raised the pH. The number of patients at risk of developing acid-aspiration pneumonitis was reduced tenfold. The authors conclude that every parturient should receive oral antacid before induction of general anesthesia. © 1974 International Anesthesia Research Society
