International journal of obstetric anesthesia
-
Int J Obstet Anesth · Oct 2012
Case ReportsPlacental abruption occurring soon after labor combined spinal-epidural analgesia.
We present a case of placental abruption necessitating emergency cesarean section in an otherwise uncomplicated patient soon after initiation of combined spinal-epidural analgesia in labor. Administration of spinal opioids has the potential to cause fetal bradycardia due to uterine hypertonicity following rapid onset of analgesia. In this case, a previously bloody show before placement of combined spinal-epidural analgesia may have been evidence of a small abruption. We hypothesize that uterine hypertonicity following administration of spinal opioids may have hastened the development of an existing placental abruption.
-
Int J Obstet Anesth · Oct 2012
Case ReportsAnesthetic management of a parturient with neuromyelitis optica.
Women with neuromyelitis optica, an acute inflammatory demyelinating condition of the central nervous system, have an unpredictable clinical course in pregnancy. Providing neuraxial anesthesia for these patients is controversial, although relapses may occur after exposure to either general or neuraxial anesthesia and are common. We report the successful obstetric anesthesia management of a parturient with neuromyelitis optica, review the medical literature, and discuss specific considerations for obstetric anesthesia in patients with underlying demyelinating disease.
-
Int J Obstet Anesth · Oct 2012
Can the passive leg raise test predict spinal hypotension during cesarean delivery? An observational pilot study.
It was hypothesized that patients who are preload dependent, as demonstrated by a >12% increase in cardiac output in response to a passive leg raise test, would be more likely to exhibit hypotension during spinal anesthesia for cesarean delivery. ⋯ In this pilot study, non-invasive assessment of the hemodynamic response to a volume load was not predictive of hypotension or vasopressor use during cesarean delivery under spinal anesthesia. Fluid responsiveness was related to hemodynamic responses at delivery.
-
Int J Obstet Anesth · Oct 2012
Case ReportsManagement of HSV-1 encephalitis due to reactivation of HSV-1 during late pregnancy.
A previously healthy 31-year-old G4P2 woman at 33 weeks of gestation was admitted as an emergency with a pyrexia of 39°C, vomiting, headache and neck stiffness associated with photophobia, phonophobia and visual and auditory symptoms. There were no heraldic signs of eclampsia. Polymerase chain reaction and testing for herpes simplex virus in the cerebrospinal fluid diagnosed herpes simplex-1 meningoencephalitis. ⋯ Mother and child were neurologically normal and healthy 15 months later. Early administration of acyclovir is essential to reduce the risk of neurological complications. After treatment and a negative polymerase chain reaction for herpes simplex virus in the cerebrospinal fluid, epidural analgesia with local anesthetic and sufentanil is possible.
-
Int J Obstet Anesth · Oct 2012
Pharmacokinetics of intravenous ketorolac following caesarean delivery.
Drug disposition is altered by pregnancy and the peripartum period but data on intravenous ketorolac pharmacokinetics following caesarean delivery have not been previously reported. ⋯ Ketorolac clearance and distribution volume are significantly increased following caesarean delivery. These data provide pharmacokinetic estimates on which to base studies on post caesarean analgesia.