Evaluation of the Effects of Different Anesthetic Techniques on Neonatal Bilirubin Levels
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Objectives: The aim of the present study was to determine whether different anesthetic techniques applied for vaginal delivery and cesarean section affect neonatal bilirubin levels in the first 24 hours of life. Materials and Methods: A total of 511 neonates delivered by vaginal route or cesarean section were included in the study. The neonates were classified according to method of delivery and anesthetic agents as group A (cesarean section / general anesthesia with sevoflurane), group B (cesarean section / spinal anesthesia with bupivacaine hydrochloride), group C (vaginal delivery with episiotomy / local anesthesia with prilocaine hydrochloride) and group D (vaginal delivery/ no anesthesia). The levels of neonatal serum bilirubin in the groups were compared. Results: There was no difference between group A and group B in terms of neonatal bilirubin levels (p = 0.98). Depending on the use of prilocaine hydrochloride as local anesthetic agent in the vaginal delivery, there was no significant difference between the groups C and D, in terms of the neonatal bilirubin levels (p = 0.99). The serum levels of bilirubin in cesarean section groups were significantly higher than those of the vaginal delivery groups (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Prilocaine hydrochloride used for episiotomy did not exert any effects on neonatal hyperbilirubinemia. However, cesarean section with sevoflurane and bupivacaine hydrochloride seemed to result in increased bilirubin levels.