THE EFFECTS OF NARCOTICS ON FETAL ACID BASE STATUS

  1. A. Chang,
  2. C. Wood,
  3. M. Humphrey,
  4. M. Gilbert,
  5. C. Wagstaff

Article first published online: 23 AUG 2005

DOI: 10.1111/j.1471-0528.1976.tb00731.x

Issue

BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology

BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology

Volume 83, Issue 1, pages 56–61, January 1976

Additional Information

How to Cite

Chang, A., Wood, C., Humphrey, M., Gilbert, M. and Wagstaff, C. (1976), THE EFFECTS OF NARCOTICS ON FETAL ACID BASE STATUS. BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, 83: 56–61. doi: 10.1111/j.1471-0528.1976.tb00731.x

Author Information

  1. Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Queen Victoria Hospital, Monash University 172 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Publication History

  1. Issue published online: 23 AUG 2005
  2. Article first published online: 23 AUG 2005

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Summary

This paper reports two randomized control trials on the effects of nalorphine, pethidine, morphine and heroin on fetal and maternal acid base status. The drugs decreased pH and increased pCO2 in the mother, and decreased pH and base excess in the fetus. The changes in the fetus were independent of the changes in the mother. In equivalent dosages, nalorphine increased maternal pCO2 more than pethidine and morphine. The effects of heroin were found to be greater than that of other drugs, and we suggest that heroin should be avoided where the fetus is already at risk.

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