International journal of obstetric anesthesia
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Although cardiac arrest in pregnancy is rare, it is important that all individuals involved in the acute care of pregnant women are suitably trained, because the outcome for both mother and fetus can be affected by the management of the arrest. Perimortem caesarean delivery was first described in 715 BC. Initially the procedure was performed principally for religious or political reasons. ⋯ While evidence is limited, it is probable that both maternal and fetal survival are improved with early delivery by perimortem caesarean delivery. More importantly, no evidence was found from case report reviews that either maternal or fetal survival was worsened. Perimortem caesarean delivery therefore remains a key consideration in the management of maternal arrest from the mid second trimester.
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Starting with the earliest biographies of James Young Simpson, the topic of religious opposition to obstetric anaesthesia in 1847 was gradually embellished in historical articles. Objective data are lacking and it has been suggested that this is a myth of recent medical history. ⋯ This revealed a marked increase (P<0.01) in the provision of anaesthesia for childbirth after the publication of Simpson's pamphlet in December 1847. This analysis supports the existence of opposition to obstetric anaesthesia and the success of Simpson's pamphlet in overcoming it, but the introduction of chloroform about six weeks earlier, may also have contributed.
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Int J Obstet Anesth · Aug 2016
Case ReportsAnesthetic management of a parturient with Stiff person syndrome for urgent cesarean delivery.
Stiff person syndrome is a rare neurologic disorder with an estimated incidence of 1:1000000. The underlying pathophysiology is truncal and proximal limb muscle stiffness resulting from continuous co-contracture of agonist and antagonist muscle groups concomitant with superimposed episodic muscle spasms. ⋯ To date, only three case reports referred indirectly to the anesthetic management of parturients with Stiff person syndrome. The authors describe their management of a parturient with Stiff person syndrome who underwent urgent cesarean delivery under epidural anesthesia.