The choice of anaesthetic technique for caesarean section does not affect plasma beta-endorphin levels in the neonate.

Umbilical cord blood was collected immediately after parturition in full term neonates during Caesarean section under either general or epidural anaesthesia. Using a radioimmunoassay technique, beta-endorphin concentrations were measured in the plasma of neonates and Apgar scores were evaluated. The mean value of beta-endorphin was 56.80 +/- 14.35 (pg mL-1) in the general anaesthesia group, and 53.17 +/- 10.58 (pg mL-1) in the epidural anaesthesia group (N.S.).