Outcomes of General and Spinal Anesthesia in Mothers with COVID-19 Undergoing Cesarean

Coronaviruses are a type of virus that can cause death due to pneumonia and respiratory problems. Pregnant women are at higher risk for developing COVID-19 and the disease has posed challenges to anesthesia in these patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the consequences of general anesthesia and spinal anesthesia in expectant mothers with COVID-19 candidates for cesarean section.

This descriptive-analytical study was performed in 80 pregnant women with COVID-19 candidates for cesarean delivery in Sari Imam Khomeini Hospital and Qaemshahr Razi Hospital, 2021. The expectant mothers underwent general (n= 40) or spinal anesthesia (n= 40). A researcher-made checklist was completed before, during, and after the delivery. Data were analyzed applying Chi-square, Mann-Whitney, T-test, One-way analysis of variance, and repeated measure ANOVA.

No significant difference was found between the two groups in demographic characteristics (P> 0.05), but there was a significant difference between urgent surgery and the type of anesthesia (P <0.05). Significant differences were seen in heart rate and mean oxygen saturation between the two groups (P= 0.0001 and P< 0.05, respectively). Nausea and vomiting, and chills were observed to be more common during spinal anesthesia (P= 0.007 and P= 0.002). Changes in systolic and diastolic blood pressure occurred more in spinal anesthesia group than the general anesthesia group (P= 0.0001).

Both general anesthesia and spinal anesthesia in mothers with COVID-19 can be safe for both the mother and baby if carefully planned and performed by experienced anesthesiologists.