Objective Fetal-to-neonatal transition is accompanied by oxidative stress.
The degree of oxidative damage may depend on several factors, such as delivery
type and obstetric anesthesia type. The objective of the study was to determine
if the delivery type and obstetric anesthesia type have an impact on oxidative
stress levels in newborns.
Material and methods A prospective study included 150 newborns divided
into three groups: neonates delivered vaginally, via cesarean section in general
anesthesia, and via cesarean section in spinal anesthesia. Levels of pH, PaO2,
lactate, glutathione peroxidase, and thiobarbituric acid reactive substance were
quantified and compared between groups.
Results Vaginal delivery was followed by the highest lactate and
thiobarbituric acid reactive substance levels and lowest pH, PaO2, and
glutathione peroxidase levels. Higher values of thiobarbituric acid reactive
substance, PaO2, and glutathione peroxidase and lower pH values were noted in
neonates delivered in general anesthesia in comparison to neonates delivered in
spinal anesthesia.
Conclusions Neonates delivered in general anesthesia were most prone to
oxidative stress, while neonates delivered in spinal anesthesia were least
affected by reactive oxygen species.