[The influence of the continuous epidural anaesthesia on uteroplacental blood flow (author's transl)].

Continuous lumbar epidural anaesthesia causes a drop in maternal blood pressure by decreasing flow resistance in the peripheral vascular bed. By infusion of 1000 ml NaCl blood pressure can be kept constant. Our work shows, that dilatation of the peripheral vessels has a positive effect in patients with reduced uteroplacental flow, as it results in an augmentation of placental flow. In women with normal placental function such an effect could not be seen. The practical use of these results is illustraded by a case report.