International journal of obstetric anesthesia
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Int J Obstet Anesth · May 2017
Randomized Controlled TrialSafety and effectiveness of alveolar recruitment maneuvers and positive end-expiratory pressure during general anesthesia for cesarean section: a prospective, randomized trial.
During cesarean section, the supine position reduces functional residual capacity and worsens lung compliance. We tested the hypothesis that alveolar recruitment maneuvers and positive end-expiratory pressure improve lung compliance in women undergoing general anesthesia for cesarean section. ⋯ Compared to standard care, the alveolar recruitment maneuver with positive end-expiratory pressure and low tidal volumes appears safe and effective in improving lung compliance and both intraoperative and postoperative oxygenation in women undergoing general anesthesia for elective cesarean section.
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Int J Obstet Anesth · May 2017
Review Meta AnalysisAnesthetic considerations for labor and delivery in women with cerebrospinal fluid shunts.
The anesthetic management of labor and delivery in pregnant women with cerebrospinal fluid shunts can be challenging. We conducted a literature review to understand the anesthetic implications in pregnant women with cerebrospinal fluid shunts. ⋯ This review suggests that shunt malfunctions occurred commonly during pregnancy. The presence of neurological symptoms warrants careful evaluation of shunt function. Anesthetic management for labor and delivery varied and was dependent on shunt function. Epidural analgesia appears to be safe in women with functional shunts.
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Int J Obstet Anesth · May 2017
Review Meta AnalysisCranial nerve palsy following central neuraxial block in obstetrics - a review of the literature and analysis of 43 case reports.
Cranial nerve palsy is a rarely reported complication of central neuraxial block in obstetrics. The aetiology is diverse and includes both decreased and increased intracranial pressure. ⋯ Intracranial hypotension is the most common aetiology of cranial nerve palsy after central neuraxial block in obstetrics. Neuroimaging is recommended in every case, to exclude other neurological causes. Epidural blood patch was the most utilised treatment for post-dural puncture cranial nerve palsy, but outcomes were variable. The majority of cranial nerve palsies resolved over the subsequent weeks and months.
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Int J Obstet Anesth · May 2017
Vital signs and other observations used to detect deterioration in pregnant women: an analysis of vital sign charts in consultant-led UK maternity units.
Obstetric early warning systems are recommended for monitoring hospitalised pregnant and postnatal women. We decided to compare: (i) vital sign values used to define physiological normality; (ii) symptoms and signs used to escalate care; (iii) type of chart used; and (iv) presence of explicit instructions for escalating care. ⋯ The wide range of 'normal' vital sign values in different systems suggests a lack of equity in the processes for detecting deterioration and escalating care in hospitalised pregnant and postnatal women. Agreement regarding 'normal' vital sign ranges is urgently required and would assist the development of a standardised obstetric early warning system and chart.
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Int J Obstet Anesth · May 2017
Case ReportsCirculatory collapse in a parturient undergoing cesarean delivery: a diagnostic dilemma.
Embolic events including thromboembolism, air embolism, and amniotic fluid embolism can cause cardiovascular collapse during cesarean delivery. Differentiation between the three conditions is challenging because they share many of the initial clinical and echocardiographic findings, but an accurate, definitive diagnosis allows the administration of specific therapy that may help in saving the life of the mother and/or the fetus. We report a case of cardiovascular collapse during cesarean delivery under general anesthesia; massive pulmonary thromboembolism was suspected and unfractionated heparin was administered. ⋯ The patient's hemodynamics improved gradually and she was successfully weaned from norepinephrine and mechanical ventilation. Significant bleeding ensued, necessitating discontinuation of anticoagulation and transfusion of red blood cells. Eventually, the patient was discharged home, in good condition, and on oral warfarin therapy.