Neonatal responses to alphaprodine administered during labor

The effect of intravenously administered alphaprodine on newborn Apgar scores, neonatal acid-base status, and the Neurologic and Adaptive Capacity Scoring System (NACS) were compared in 30 parturients. Patients in group 1 (n = 15) received 20-40 mg increments of alphaprodine, with a total dose of 39.3 +/- 3.7 mg (mean +/- SEM). Group 2 patients (n = 15) received no medication during labor. Apgar scores, neonatal acid-base status, and the NACS were equally good in the two groups. The concentrations of alphaprodine in maternal vein, umbilical vein, and umbilical artery at delivery were measured using a gas-chromographic mass spectrophotometric technique. The results showed an umbilical vein-to-maternal vein ratio of 0.52 +/- 0.09. It is concluded that when administered as in this study, alphaprodine has no adverse effects on the neonate.