POSTPARTUM UTERINE PRESSURES WITH DIFFERENT DOSES OF KETAMINE

On the basis of investigation of 22 parturients, it is concluded that ketamine, 100 mg, or less, has no unphysiologic effect on the term-pregnant human uterus under normal conditions. However, during situations in which any increase in uterine activity may be harmful, such as tetanic concentration, abruptio placentae or cord prolapse, the dose of ketamine should not exceed 25 mg. This is approximately the maximum recommended for analgesia in vaginal delivery (0.2 - 0.4 mg/kg maternal body weight), whereas the maximum used for induction of endotracheal anesthesia should not exceed 1 mg/kg, or 100 mg.