International journal of obstetric anesthesia
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Magnesium is one of the most abundant cations in the human body. It is utilised extensively within the medical world and its role in the treatment of various conditions in both mother and fetus is increasing. This review focuses on the importance of magnesium for the obstetric anaesthetist and looks at the most recent evidence surrounding its use in hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, neuroprotection of the premature infant and the expanding role of magnesium as an analgesic and adjunct to anaesthesia.
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Int J Obstet Anesth · Jan 2013
Case ReportsHyperfibrinolysis diagnosed by rotational thromboelastometry in a case of suspected amniotic fluid embolism.
Rotational thromboelastometry is a viscoelastomeric, point-of-care method for testing haemostasis in whole blood which can be visualised rapidly, in real time, in the operating theatre. Advantages over traditional coagulation tests relate to the rapid feedback of results and the ability to visualise hyperfibrinolysis. We present a case of suspected amniotic fluid embolism that presented with sudden respiratory arrest associated with haemodynamic compromise during a non-elective caesarean delivery. ⋯ Rotational thromboelastometry showed hyperfibrinolysis and hypofibrinogenaemia, which allowed targeted coagulation factor replacement therapy and the use of tranexamic acid. Hyperfibrinolysis may be a contributor to the coagulopathy associated with amniotic fluid embolism but has been infrequently reported, perhaps due to limited diagnosis with traditional coagulation tests. Treatment of the coagulopathy associated with a suspected amniotic fluid embolism with antifibrinolytic agents may deserve greater consideration.
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Int J Obstet Anesth · Jan 2013
The impact of spinal anaesthesia for caesarean delivery on coagulation assessed by thromboelastography.
Pregnancy and puerperium are associated with a hypercoagulable state. The aim of the study was to assess the impact of spinal anaesthesia on coagulation using thromboelastography in healthy term pregnant women undergoing elective caesarean delivery. ⋯ In women undergoing caesarean delivery under spinal anaesthesia, enhanced coagulation thromboelastography parameters were observed in blood collected from hand veins. No changes were detected in the majority of parameters collected from the foot. Spinal anaesthesia has different effects on coagulation parameters in the hand and foot in pregnant women undergoing caesarean delivery.
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Int J Obstet Anesth · Jan 2013
Randomized Controlled TrialA dose-response study of remifentanil for attenuation of the hypertensive response to laryngoscopy and tracheal intubation in severely preeclamptic women undergoing caesarean delivery under general anaesthesia.
Remifentanil is known to attenuate the cardiovascular responses to tracheal intubation. We determined effective doses (ED(50)/ED(95)) of remifentanil to prevent the pressor response to tracheal intubation in patients with severe preeclampsia. ⋯ The ED(95) of remifentanil for attenuating the hypertensive response to tracheal intubation during induction of anaesthesia in severely preeclamptic patients undergoing caesarean delivery under general anaesthesia was 1.34 μg/kg.
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Int J Obstet Anesth · Jan 2013
Meta AnalysisInsertion of an intrathecal catheter following accidental dural puncture: a meta-analysis.
Inserting an intrathecal catheter after accidental dural puncture in parturients to prevent postdural puncture headache is becoming increasingly popular. We aimed to identify relevant published articles investigating this intervention and subject data to a meta-analysis. ⋯ Inserting an intrathecal catheter significantly reduced the risk for an epidural blood patch; the incidence of postdural puncture headache was reduced but not significantly. Accidental dural puncture is a rare complication and therefore trials on intervention need to include a large number of patients which is time-consuming and costly. Intrathecal catheterisation is a promising approach for the prevention of postdural puncture headache and should be evaluated further. This intervention has additional benefits including a reduced risk of repeat dural puncture, rapid onset of action and use for anaesthesia.