International journal of obstetric anesthesia
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Int J Obstet Anesth · May 2014
Observational StudyObservational study of changes in epidural pressure and elastance during epidural blood patch in obstetric patients.
During an epidural blood patch, we inject blood until the patient describes mild back pressure, often leading to injection of more than 20 mL of blood. We undertook this study to measure the epidural pressures generated during an epidural blood patch and to identify the impact of volume on epidural elastance in obstetric patients. ⋯ We found a curvilinear relationship between the volume of blood injected during an epidural blood patch and the pressure generated in the epidural space. However, there was a large variation in both the volume of blood and the epidural pressure generated. The clinical importance of this finding is not known. A larger study would be required to demonstrate whether pressure is a predictor of success.
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Int J Obstet Anesth · May 2014
Randomized Controlled TrialEffects of a head elevated ramped position during elective caesarean delivery after combined spinal-epidural anaesthesia.
Elevating the torso in a Head Elevated Ramped Position during caesarean delivery benefits the mother by improving comfort and ventilation while reducing reflux symptoms and providing a better airway position. We hypothesised that using an elevation pillow for an elective caesarean delivery under combined spinal-epidural anaesthesia would not significantly increase the time to achieve a T4 block. ⋯ Elevating the parturient undergoing elective caesarean delivery into the Head Elevated Ramped Position immediately or once the block had been established did not appear to significantly alter time to an adequate block height of T4; however, the need for epidural supplementation was greater in the intervention groups. Cautious use of this novel position change can provide a more comfortable experience and provide a better airway position should conversion to general anaesthesia be required.
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Int J Obstet Anesth · May 2014
Case ReportsAn intrathecal catheter in a pregnant patient with idiopathic intracranial hypertension: analgesia, monitor and therapy?
Idiopathic intracranial hypertension is important for the obstetric anaesthetist as it is mostly seen in obese women of childbearing age. The incidence is likely to increase as the obesity pandemic grows. ⋯ We successfully managed labour analgesia in a parturient with idiopathic intracranial hypertension with an intrathecal catheter. The possibility of using this catheter as a cerebrospinal fluid drain and pressure monitor was considered and is discussed along with potential complications.
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Int J Obstet Anesth · May 2014
Case ReportsAnesthetic considerations in a parturient with Oral-Facial-Digital syndrome and repaired tetralogy of Fallot with left ventricular dysfunction.
Oral-Facial-Digital syndrome or Mohr syndrome is a rare congenital disorder characterized by malformations of face, oral cavity, laryngeal structures, trachea, and digits, muscular-skeletal abnormalities, and congenital cardiac defects. In this case report, we describe the anesthetic management of a parturient with Oral-Facial-Digital syndrome type II and repaired tetralogy of Fallot with left ventricular dysfunction.