Drip linked to reduced caesarean trauma

The use of a drip could reduce the trauma and infections associated with caesarean births, according to research from Queensland.

A fourth-year medical student at James Cook University found small amounts of adenosine, lidocaine and magnesium (ALM) could reduce the trauma associated with the surgery.

Lisa Davenport joined the Heart, Trauma and Sepsis Research Laboratory to research ways to reduce the body's stress response during surgery.

Professor Geoffrey Dobson said the initial research also showed the drip could protect against infections, while Dr Hayley Letson said ALM therapy could improve brain control over whole body function during times of surgical stress.

"It suppresses signals that activate immune cells and promote inflammation," she said.

Ms Davenport is now analysing the data from her study before she writes up a research paper for a surgical journal.

The university is also trying to secure funding that would allow it to research the use of ALM fluid as a treatment for post-partum haemorrhage.