International journal of obstetric anesthesia
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Int J Obstet Anesth · Feb 2022
Review Case ReportsPostpartum cerebral venous sinus thrombosis following obstetric neuraxial blockade: a literature review with analysis of 58 case reports.
Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) is a rare complication of pregnancy. It usually presents with a headache and may mimic a post-dural puncture headache (PDPH) in women who receive a neuraxial block. ⋯ The diagnosis of CVST may be overlooked in women who present with headache following neuraxial block. A change in character of headache with loss of postural element, and focal neurological signs are the key clinical features that could help anaesthetists differentiate headache of CVST from PDPH. The high reported rates of ADP and PDPH lend support to their possible association with CVST.
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Int J Obstet Anesth · Feb 2022
Randomized Controlled TrialA randomized trial to investigate needle redirections/re-insertions using a handheld ultrasound device versus traditional palpation for spinal anesthesia in obese women undergoing cesarean delivery.
Ultrasound may be useful to identify the spinal anesthesia insertion point, particularly when landmarks are not palpable. We tested the hypothesis that the number of needle redirections/re-insertions is lower when using a handheld ultrasound device compared with palpation in obese women undergoing spinal anesthesia for cesarean delivery. ⋯ Handheld ultrasound did not demonstrate any advantages over traditional palpation techniques for spinal anesthesia in an obese population undergoing cesarean delivery, although the study was underpowered to show a difference.
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Int J Obstet Anesth · Feb 2022
Case ReportsNeuraxial anesthesia in a parturient with common variable immunodeficiency: a case report.
Choosing whether or not to initiate neuraxial anesthesia in pregnant women with immune system defects may be challenging. Anesthesiologists have the responsibility of making the best decision in terms of anesthesia management for both mother and baby during the labor and delivery process. Whether neuraxial anesthesia is associated with an increased risk of central nervous system infection in immunocompromised compared with healthy patients is unknown. ⋯ There are no guidelines regarding the indications and limitations of regional anesthesia procedures in these patients. Immunocompromised patients are now seen more commonly, and it is essential to adopt a multidisciplinary approach to their care while tailoring anesthetic plans to the individual. We present the case of a 37-year-old parturient who had a congenital immune deficiency and who developed aseptic meningitis after receiving spinal anesthesia for cesarean delivery.
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Int J Obstet Anesth · Feb 2022
Observational StudyInfrared thermographic assessment of spinal anaesthesia-related cutaneous temperature changes during caesarean section.
Assessment of adequacy of spinal anaesthesia, prior to obstetric surgery is extremely important but can be problematic because currently available clinical assessment methods are indirect and subjective. As the sympathectomy associated with spinal anaesthesia is known to cause vasodilation and heat redistribution, we sought to assess whether spinal anaesthesia led to significant and consistent cutaneous temperature changes as measured by infrared thermography. ⋯ Following spinal anaesthesia thermographic imaging identified different patterns of skin temperature changes, with pronounced temperature increases measured in the feet and cooling of a lesser amplitude in the thoracic and lumbar dermatomes. Infrared thermography has the potential to provide objective measurement of sympathectomy.
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Int J Obstet Anesth · Feb 2022
Neuraxial anesthesia and postoperative opioid administration for cesarean delivery in patients with placenta accreta spectrum disorder: a retrospective cohort study.
There is no consensus on optimal anesthetic and analgesic management of patients presenting for cesarean delivery with suspected placenta accreta spectrum disorder. Neuraxial anesthesia is preferred for uncomplicated procedures, but general anesthesia may be indicated for those at risk of hemorrhage and hysterectomy. We compared the effect of anesthesia techniques on postoperative maternal opioid administration and neonatal respiratory distress. ⋯ Patients receiving general anesthesia alone were administered more opioids than those undergoing neuraxial anesthesia or neuraxial with conversion to general anesthesia. This finding was maintained when accounting for whether or not the patient underwent hysterectomy. Deciding on anesthetic management requires consideration of patient comorbidities, severity of placenta accreta spectrum pathology, and surgical requirements.