Urinary prostaglandin E2 output increases in cesarean section.

The urinary output of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) during and following Cesarean section (CS) was investigated in 21 patients. Urinary PGE2, probably reflecting renal production of PGE2, increased about two-fold during anesthesia and surgery and persisted for at least one additional hour. PGE2 output also correlated with the dose of oxytocin administered. The possibility that renal perfusion may be compromised during CS and that increased synthesis of prostaglandins (PGs) may serve to protect the kidney against ischemia is suggested.