International journal of obstetric anesthesia
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Int J Obstet Anesth · Aug 2015
ReviewSpinal dysraphisms in the parturient: implications for perioperative anaesthetic care and labour analgesia.
Anaesthetists may encounter parturients with a spectrum of anatomical and functional abnormalities secondary to spinal dysraphisms, which are among the most common neurodevelopmental anomalies. These range from surgically corrected open dysraphisms to previously undiagnosed closed dysraphisms. Both bony and neural structures may be abnormal. ⋯ Previous corrective de-tethering surgery frequently does not result in ascent of the conus and re-tethering may be asymptomatic. Ultrasound is not sufficiently validated at the point of care to reliably detect low-lying cords. Epidurals should be performed at anatomically normal levels but spread of local anaesthetic may be impaired by previous surgery.
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Int J Obstet Anesth · Aug 2015
Review Meta AnalysisA systematic review of the effects of adding neostigmine to local anesthetics for neuraxial administration in obstetric anesthesia and analgesia.
Drugs used in obstetric patients must accomplish two goals: efficacy and safety for both mother and fetus. Neostigmine has been co-administered epidurally and intrathecally with local anesthetics and other adjuncts in the obstetric setting. The aim of this meta-analysis was to assess the efficacy and incidence of adverse events related to the use of neostigmine in obstetric anesthesia. ⋯ Neuraxial administration of neostigmine significantly reduces local anesthetic consumption without serious adverse side effects to the mother or fetus. However, neostigmine is only recommended for epidural administration as intrathecal use significantly increases the incidence of maternal nausea and vomiting.
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Recent advances in the diagnosis, pathogenesis, and understanding of preeclampsia-related morbidity provide opportunities to optimize clinical management of the mother and fetus. These discoveries are timely, as contemporary data suggest that the prevalence of preeclampsia, affecting 7.5% of pregnancies globally and 2-5% in the USA, has increased by up to 30% over the last decade. Managing pregnant patients with preeclampsia can be challenging for all members of the obstetric care team due to the disease's multi-organ system maternal and fetal effects. This review presents recent updates in the definition of preeclampsia, etiology, comorbidities and therapeutic interventions and discusses how they impact the care of these high-risk patients.