Effect of low-dose ketamine on fetal oxidative stress: A randomized trial

Aim: In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of preoperative low-dose (0.3 mg/kg) intravenous (IV) ketamine administration on fetal oxidative stress markers including Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), Glutathione Peroxidase (GPx), Malondialdehyde (MDA), and Ischemia-modified albumin (IMA) in patients undergoing cesarean section with combined spinal epidural anesthesia (CSEA).Material and Methods: A total of 60 parturients aged 18-45 years, and undergoing elective cesarean section with CSEA were included. Two groups (n=30, for each group) were formed by randomization. Before the CSEA procedure, the ketamine group received an IV of 0.3 mg/kg ketamine diluted with 10 ml normal saline and the control group received an IV10 ml normal saline. Then, CSEA was performed using 1.8 ml 0.5% isobaric bupivacaine (9 mg) and 15 mu g fentanyl. Immediately after delivery, the umbilical cord was doubly clamped, and a 5 ml of cord blood sample was drawn for biochemical analysis of fetal oxidative stress markers. The socio-demographic, anesthetic characteristics, and biochemical analysis results of the participants were recorded. The results were compared with appropriate statistical methods.Results: There were no significant differences between the groups in terms of socio-demographic and anesthetic characteristics. Also, both groups had similar values in terms of cord blood GPx, MDA, SOD, and IMA levels.Discussion: Preoperative low-dose IV ketamine administration has no influence on cord blood oxidative stress markers.