Background: Aspiration pneumonitis is a syndrome resulting from the ingestion of gastric contents. The incidence in obstetric anesthesia has fallen, largely due to improved anesthetic techniques and the increased use of regional anesthesia at caesarean section. However, aspiration pneumonitis is still a cause of maternal morbidity and mortality, and it is important to use effective prophylaxis, 0.3M sodium citrate has been shown to elevate gastric pH when given as a single dose prior to induction and thereby minimizing the risk of aspiration. Aims & Objectives: aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of 0.3M sodium citrate, a non-particulate antacid, in neutralizing secreted gastric acid as prevention of aspiration pneumonia. To assess the ph of the gastric aspirate after induction and at the time of extubation in the study and control groups. To assess the change in gastric ph before and after giving 0.3M sodium citrate. Materials and Methods: 50 patients selected and evaluated were randomized by simple random sampling into two groups of 25 patients each. Group A-25 received 30 mL of test solution A. Group B-25 received 30 mL of Control Solution B. Both solutions were stored in identical amber bottles. 25 patients who received 30 mL of 0.3M sodium citrate were categorized into group A or study group. The remaining 25 patients who received 30 ml of distilled water were categorized into group B or control group. Conclusion: We conclude that the non-particulate antacid 0.3M sodium citrate, given orally about 20 min before induction of anesthesia, is an effective and safe antacid for prophylaxis against aspiration pneumonitis in all elective obstetric surgeries without producing any side effects.

Background: Aspiration pneumonitis is a syndrome resulting from the ingestion of gastric contents. The incidence in obstetric anesthesia has fallen, largely due to improved anesthetic techniques and the increased use of regional anesthesia at caesarean section. However, aspiration pneumonitis is still a cause of maternal morbidity and mortality, and it is important to use effective prophylaxis, 0.3M sodium citrate has been shown to elevate gastric pH when given as a single dose prior to induction and thereby minimizing the risk of aspiration. Aims & Objectives: aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of 0.3M sodium citrate, a non-particulate antacid, in neutralizing secreted gastric acid as prevention of aspiration pneumonia. To assess the ph of the gastric aspirate after induction and at the time of extubation in the study and control groups. To assess the change in gastric ph before and after giving 0.3M sodium citrate. Materials and Methods: 50 patients selected and evaluated were randomized by simple random sampling into two groups of 25 patients each. Group A-25 received 30 mL of test solution A. Group B-25 received 30 mL of Control Solution B. Both solutions were stored in identical amber bottles. 25 patients who received 30 mL of 0.3M sodium citrate were categorized into group A or study group. The remaining 25 patients who received 30 ml of distilled water were categorized into group B or control group. Conclusion: We conclude that the non-particulate antacid 0.3M sodium citrate, given orally about 20 min before induction of anesthesia, is an effective and safe antacid for prophylaxis against aspiration pneumonitis in all elective obstetric surgeries without producing any side effects.