Expert: Ronald Levy, M.D. - 7/8/2009

Question
Hi, i'm a recent anesthesia grad about to start private practice.  i'm studying for my boards and have a question I cannot find a definite answer to.  My program was weak on ob, so i'd like your opinion.  does hyperventilation actually decrease uterine blood flow?  i've taken several past aba tests off the website and encountered conflicting answers.  thanks for your time!  and if you have any suggestions about the private world, i'd love to hear them too!  
~sashi

Answer
Here are 3 references for you:

Andrianakis P. Walker D: Effect of hyperthermia on uterine and umbilical blood flows in pregnant sheep. Experimental Physiology. 79(1):1-13, 1994

Levinson G. Shnider SM. DeLorimier AA. Steffenson JL: Effects of maternal hyperventilation on uterine blood flow and fetal oxygenation and acid-base status. Anesthesiology. 40(4):340-7, 1974

Parer JT. Eng M. Aoba H. Ueland K: Uterine blood flow and oxygen uptake during maternal hyperventilation in monkeys at cesarean section. Anesthesiology. 32(2):130-5, 1970

As you can see, there is a paucity of information on this so my guess is, this is not a likely question you will see on your boards! I can't tell you much about private life as I work at a University hospital.

Ronald Levy, MD
Professor of Anesthesiology
UTMb-Galveston