International journal of obstetric anesthesia
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Int J Obstet Anesth · Nov 2015
Meta AnalysisEffects of prophylactic ondansetron on spinal anesthesia-induced hypotension: a meta-analysis.
A range of strategies including physical interventions, intravenous fluids and vasopressor drugs have been used to minimize or prevent spinal anesthesia-induced hypotension. Recent studies suggest that ondansetron, a commonly used antiemetic, also affects hypotension. This systematic review investigated the effects of prophylactic ondansetron on hemodynamic changes following spinal anesthesia. ⋯ This review suggests that prophylactic ondansetron reduces the incidence of spinal anesthesia-induced hypotension and vasopressor consumption in both obstetric and non-obstetric patients. In addition, ondansetron can also reduce related adverse outcomes such as bradycardia, nausea and vomiting. However, given the relatively large heterogeneity and small sample sizes in current studies, further large and strict randomized clinical trials investigating the effects of ondansetron on spinal anesthesia-induced hemodynamic changes and side effects are still needed, especially among obstetric patients.
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Int J Obstet Anesth · Nov 2015
Review Case ReportsParturients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: case series and review of pregnancy outcomes and anesthetic management of labor and delivery.
Advances in understanding the pathogenesis, diagnosis and management of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy have resulted in increased longevity and a better quality of life of affected patients considering pregnancy. Several case series which focused predominantly on obstetric details have reported generally good outcomes. However, there remains a paucity of data on the specifics of obstetric anesthesia in women with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. ⋯ The database search of approximately 160000 deliveries over 20 years revealed only a small number of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy patients with completed pregnancies. No maternal or neonatal deaths were documented. Overall morbidity rate was 26% with a 13% incidence of peripartum congestive heart failure. In patients with mild to moderate disease, neuraxial anesthesia was safe, effective and well tolerated with no hemodynamic instability related to administration of local anesthetics.
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Int J Obstet Anesth · Nov 2015
Randomized Controlled TrialA randomised controlled trial of the effect of an head-elevation pillow on intrathecal local anaesthetic spread in caesarean section.
A head-elevation pillow places a patient in a ramped posture, which maximises the view of the larynx during laryngoscopy, particularly in obese parturients. In our institution an elevation pillow is used pre-emptively for neuraxial anaesthesia. We hypothesised that head-elevation may impair cephalad spread of local anaesthetic before caesarean section resulting in a lower block or longer time to achieve a T6 level. We aimed to investigate the effect of head-elevation on spread of intrathecal local anaesthetics during anaesthesia for caesarean section. ⋯ Use of a ramped position with an head-elevation pillow following injection of the intrathecal component of a combined spinal-epidural anaesthetic for scheduled caesarean section was associated with a significantly lower block height at 10min.
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Int J Obstet Anesth · Nov 2015
Randomized Controlled TrialPostural change from lateral to supine is an important mechanism enhancing cephalic spread after injection of intrathecal 0.5% plain bupivacaine for cesarean section.
Spinal anesthesia is widely used for cesarean section, but the factors that affect the spread of the block in pregnant patients are still not fully explained. This study was designed to investigate the effect of postural changes on sensory block level. ⋯ In our population, using 0.5% plain bupivacaine 7.5mg, postural change from the lateral position to the supine position is an important mechanism enhancing cephalic spread of spinal anesthesia during late pregnancy.