Cesarean section and ventricular function in neonatal transitional period–An unnoticed question

The transition of the circulatory system after birth is a critical time for the neonate to adapt to the external environment. After birth, the systemic vascular resistance (SVR) increases as a result of the loss of low-resistance placental circulation and surge of catecholamine levels after delivery. During this period, the pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) decreases in association with pulmonary vasodilatation due to an increase in the oxygen concentration, accompanied with lung aeration. As a result, the increased SVR and decreased PVR causes redirection of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) in a left-to-right pattern, which signifies adequate pulmonary venous return and increased left ventricle (LV) preload.