Using a double-blinded randomized design, a total of 151 parturients undergoing caesarean delivery
under general anaesthesia were randomized into two groups – 76 patients received a bolus of remifentanil prior to
induction, while 75 patients were assigned to the control group. Remifentanil 1 μg/kg was administered 30 seconds
before the standard induction of general anaesthesia. The primary outcome measure was an assessment of neonatal
adaptation using the Apgar score, while secondary outcomes included the need for respiratory support after delivery
and differences in umbilical blood gas analysis (Astrup).