Pharmacogenetic influences in obstetric anaesthesia

Genomic discoveries in the field of perioperative medicine and anaesthesia have generated multiple publications and some hope that pharmacogenetic testing may guide clinicians to provide safe and effective medicine in a ’tailored' manner. Within the field of anaesthesia, many consider that ‘titration of drugs to the desired effect works just fine’ and wonder if pharmacogenomics will ever impact on their daily practice. This review will cite practical examples of relevant candidates genes and common polymorphisms that have shown to alter the response to medication prescribed in the peripartum period by obstetricians and anaesthesiologists.

Keywords: pharmacogenetics, genomics, polymorphism, SNP, adrenergic receptor, μ-opioid receptor, pregnancy, preterm labour, vasopressors, β-blockers, anaesthesia, analgesia, pain, opioids, fentanyl