Effects of maternal sedation during fetoscopy

Area of Science:

• Maternal-fetal medicine
• Surgical procedures
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Fetoscopy is an invasive procedure requiring maternal sedation.
• The effects of specific sedative agents on fetoscopy outcomes are not well-documented.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the safety and efficacy of meperidine and promethazine HCl sedation during fetoscopy.
• To assess the impact of sedation on maternal comfort and fetal visualization.

Main Methods:

• 10 pregnant patients at 14-18 weeks' gestation received meperidine (100 mg) and promethazine HCl (50 mg) before fetoscopy.
• Dosage adjustments were made as needed for adequate analgesia.
• Fetal sex determination, visualization quality, and complications were recorded.

Main Results:

• Accurate fetal sex determination in 9/10 cases.
• Satisfactory visualization in 9/10 cases; one case had technical issues.
• Minor complications included superficial fetal limb hematomas and minimal fetal bleeding.
• Sedation reduced fetal movements, prolonging clear amniotic fluid duration.

Conclusions:

• Maternal sedation with meperidine and promethazine HCl is beneficial for fetoscopy.
• Sedation facilitates fetal evaluation by improving visualization and reducing fetal movement.
• Further research may optimize sedative regimens for enhanced fetoscopic procedures.