International journal of obstetric anesthesia
-
Int J Obstet Anesth · Nov 2015
ReviewFailed tracheal intubation during obstetric general anaesthesia: a literature review.
We reviewed the literature on obstetric failed tracheal intubation from 1970 onwards. The incidence remained unchanged over the period at 2.6 (95% CI 2.0 to 3.2) per 1000 anaesthetics (1 in 390) for obstetric general anaesthesia and 2.3 (95% CI 1.7 to 2.9) per 1000 general anaesthetics (1 in 443) for caesarean section. Maternal mortality from failed intubation was 2.3 (95% CI 0.3 to 8.2) per 100000 general anaesthetics for caesarean section (one death per 90 failed intubations). ⋯ A prospective study of obstetric general anaesthesia found that transient maternal hypoxaemia occurred in over two-thirds of cases of failed intubation, usually without sequelae. Pulmonary aspiration occurred in 8% but the rate of maternal intensive care unit admission after failed intubation was the same as that after uneventful general anaesthesia. Poor neonatal outcomes were often associated with preoperative fetal compromise, although failed intubation and lowest maternal oxygen saturation were independent predictors of neonatal intensive care unit admission.
-
Int J Obstet Anesth · Nov 2015
Multicenter StudyMechanical ventilation in critically-ill pregnant women: a case series.
Approximately 0.1-0.2% of pregnancies are complicated by respiratory failure requiring mechanical ventilatory support, but few data exist to inform clinical management. This study aimed to characterize current practice and the effect of delivery on respiratory function. ⋯ Review of current practice in four centers suggests that mechanical ventilation in pregnant patients follows usual guidelines applicable to non-pregnant patients. Delivery was associated with modest improvement in maternal respiratory function in some patients. Any potential benefit of delivery in improving maternal physiology must be weighed against the stress of delivery. The risks of premature birth for the fetus must be weighed against continued exposure to maternal hypoxemia and hypotension.
-
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.
-
Int J Obstet Anesth · Nov 2015
Randomized Controlled TrialDifferences in maternal temperature during labour with remifentanil patient-controlled analgesia or epidural analgesia: a randomised controlled trial.
Epidural analgesia and remifentanil patient-controlled analgesia are two popular techniques for the treatment of labour pain, each with its own efficacy and toxicity. ⋯ During treatment of labour pain, epidural analgesia is associated with a higher incidence of maternal fever, while remifentanil analgesia results in more frequent and deeper hypoxaemic events.