International journal of obstetric anesthesia
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Int J Obstet Anesth · Apr 2012
The Analgesia Nociception Index: a pilot study to evaluation of a new pain parameter during labor.
Objective pain assessment that is not subject to influences from either cultural or comprehension issues is desirable. Analysis of heart rate variability has been proposed as a potential method. This pilot study aimed to assess the performance of the PhysioDoloris™ analgesia monitor which calculates an Analgesia Nociception Index derived from heart rate variability. It was compared with visual analogical pain scores. ⋯ The Analgesia Nociception Index has an inverse linear relationship with visual analogical pain scores. Further studies are necessary to confirm the results of this pilot study and to look at the influence of epidural analgesia on the Analgesia Nociception Index.
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Int J Obstet Anesth · Apr 2012
Measurement of intra-abdominal pressure in term pregnancy: a pilot study.
This study was conducted to assess the feasibility of measuring intra-abdominal pressure in term parturients under spinal anesthesia. ⋯ Under spinal anesthesia, intra-abdominal pressure in >25% of healthy term parturients was > 12 mmHg, which has conventionally been defined as intra-abdominal hypertension. The intra-abdominal pressure in term pregnancy should be performed in the left lateral tilt position to avoid falsely elevated pressure measurements.
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Int J Obstet Anesth · Apr 2012
Randomized Controlled TrialA sequential compression mechanical pump to prevent hypotension during elective cesarean section under spinal anesthesia.
Spinal anesthesia is a standard technique for cesarean section but can cause hypotension which may be related to venous pooling secondary to progesterone-induced decreases in vascular tone. This study investigated the use of a sequential compression mechanical pump with thigh-high sleeves with compression cycles timed to venous refilling. We hypothesized that this would recruit pooled venous blood from the lower limbs, maintain the central blood volume and thus decrease the incidence of hypotension. ⋯ The use of a sequential compression mechanical pump that detects venous refilling and cycles accordingly, reduced the incidence and severity of hypotension after spinal anesthesia for cesarean section.