[The protective effect of piracetam during delivery]

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Neonatal Neurology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Intrapartum fetal hypoxia is a significant concern during labor.
• Cerebral function monitoring and fetal well-being assessment are crucial.
• Piracetam is a nootropic agent with potential neuroprotective properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effects of intravenous Piracetam on fetal physiological parameters during labor.
• To assess Piracetam's influence on fetal cerebral activity and response to hypoxia.
• To determine the correlation between Piracetam administration and fetal outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Continuous cardiotocography (CTG), transcutaneous oxygen pressure (tcpO2), and electroencephalogram (EEG) monitoring were employed.
• A cohort of 26 healthy primigravida at term received either Piracetam (10 g i.v./h) or a placebo (Laevulose).
• Monitoring occurred during the intrapartum period, starting at cervical dilatation.

Main Results:

• Piracetam administration led to a stabilization of fetal cerebral functions.
• EEG showed an increase in alpha-wave activity and a decrease in delta-wave activity.
• CTG recordings indicated a reduced number of decelerations during the expulsion phase.
• Fetal outcomes, assessed by Apgar Index, were consistently above 9 in the Piracetam group.

Conclusions:

• Piracetam demonstrates a stabilizing effect on fetal cerebral functions during labor.
• The drug appears to enhance fetal resistance to transient hypoxia in the expulsion period.
• Observed improvements in EEG and CTG parameters correlate with superior Apgar scores, suggesting neuroprotective benefits.