International journal of obstetric anesthesia
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Int J Obstet Anesth · Aug 2019
Comparative StudyThe comparative accuracy of a handheld and console ultrasound device for neuraxial depth and landmark assessment.
The study aimed to compare the accuracy of epidural depth estimation of a handheld ultrasound device, with an integrated algorithm that estimates epidural depth (AU; Accuro, Rivanna Medical), to that of a console ultrasound machine (GU; GE LOGICTM S8). ⋯ The AU and GU provided comparable epidural depth estimates. The AU device may be a reasonable alternative to more sophisticated ultrasound devices in determining the epidural space and depth in a non-obese obstetric population.
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Int J Obstet Anesth · Aug 2019
National survey of obstetric anaesthesia clinical practices in the republic of Austria.
The aim of this study was to describe the current obstetric anaesthetic practices in Austria by performing a comprehensive questionnaire survey. ⋯ This survey reveals that obstetric anaesthetic practices in Austria differ in part from current European and American guidelines. Findings will direct the national workforce on obstetric anaesthesia that aims to introduce into Austria practice guidelines, based on international collaborations and guideline recommendations.
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Int J Obstet Anesth · Aug 2019
Case ReportsHepatic adenoma during pregnancy and anesthetic management.
We report the case of a 24-year-old woman with a large hepatic adenoma diagnosed in the third trimester of pregnancy. The adenoma was at risk of rupture. She underwent scheduled preterm cesarean delivery under combined spinal-epidural anesthesia, followed by transarterial embolization on post-partum day six. Definitive resection of the adenoma took place two months postpartum.
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Int J Obstet Anesth · Aug 2019
Readability, content, quality and accuracy assessment of internet-based patient education materials relating to labor analgesia.
With over 90% of parturients searching the internet for health information, the quality of information is important. Web-based patient education materials (PEMs) related to labor analgesia are frequently of low readability. This study compares the readability, content, quality and accuracy of labor analgesia-related PEMs from relevant healthcare society websites and the top internet search results. ⋯ Google search results for labor analgesia lead to PEMs of variable quality and readability. For readers to be better informed, web-based PEMs should be improved or women directed to society PEMs. Inaccurate information may lead to incorrect expectations and conflict during labor, with potentially lower maternal satisfaction.
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Int J Obstet Anesth · Aug 2019
Observational StudyObstetric admissions and outcomes in an intensive care unit in Malawi.
Despite international commitment to Millennium Development Goal 5, maternal mortality remains high in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) of sub-Saharan Africa. This is in part due to infrastructure gaps, including availability of intensive care units (ICUs). We sought to use obstetric ICU utilization as a marker of severe maternal morbidity and provide an initial characterization of its relationship with in-hospital mortality. ⋯ The proportion of obstetric subjects admitted to the ICU in Malawi is nearly 1 in 4, which exceeds that found in high-income countries by orders of magnitude. Intensive care unit admission was associated with high mortality in this population. Investments in improving infrastructure and care gaps may include addressing available ICU bed and blood-banking needs, and increasing the number of providers trained in managing critical illness among obstetric patients.