While the stabilizing effect of remifentanil on maternal
circulation has been clearly and consistently described in
several studies, including the systematic review and
meta-analysis published by Heesen and colleagues [17],
the effect on postnatal adaptation remains unclear, as
these studies have not been sufficiently powered. We
therefore aimed our study primarily as a comparison of
postnatal adaptation of neonates after caesarean delivery
in parturients receiving remifentanil bolus of 1 μg/kg
prior to induction of general anaesthesia with those having
standard opioid-free induction.