International journal of obstetric anesthesia
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Int J Obstet Anesth · Aug 2024
Case ReportsNon-targeted serial epidural blood patches for the treatment of intracranial hypotension headache during late pregnancy: a case report.
Intracranial hypotension can cause persistent and severe orthostatic headaches. It is often the result of cerebrospinal fluid leakage secondary to iatrogenic causes. It can also happen spontaneously. ⋯ This case describes a parturient at 30 weeks' gestation who presented with severe headaches due to intracranial hypotension caused by dural defects and cerebrospinal fluid venous fistula. She was managed with serial non-targeted epidural blood patching as a bridging remedy. This allowed further fetal maturity before delivery and definitive management of the dural leakage after delivery.
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Int J Obstet Anesth · Aug 2024
ReviewTotal spinal anaesthesia following obstetric neuraxial blockade: a narrative review.
Total spinal anaesthesia (TSA) is an emergency caused by high neuraxial blockade. It is a recognised complication of all neuraxial techniques in obstetric anaesthesia. Its incidence and outcomes have not been evaluated. There is compelling evidence that TSA continues to be a problem in contemporary practice, having the capacity to cause significant morbidity and mortality if not recognised early and promptly treated. This review based on a literature search aims to clarify the epidemiology of TSA, summarise its pathophysiology, and identify risk factors and effective treatments. ⋯ The available literature confirms that TSA remains an active clinical problem and that with prompt recognition and treatment good outcomes can be achieved. This requires anticipation and preparedness in all clinical areas where neuraxial techniques are performed.
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Int J Obstet Anesth · Aug 2024
Disparities in postpartum readmission by patient- and hospital-level social risk factors in the United States: a retrospective multistate analysis, 2015-2020.
Postpartum readmission is an area of focus for improving obstetric care and reducing costs. We examined disparities in all-cause 30-day postpartum readmission by patient- and hospital-level factors in the United States. ⋯ Substantial disparities in 30-day postpartum readmissions by patient-level social factors were observed, particularly amongst Black mothers. Action is needed to address and mitigate disparities in postpartum readmission.
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Int J Obstet Anesth · Aug 2024
Case ReportsSevere back labor pain masks a scald caused by shower hydrotherapy: a case report.
Shower hydrotherapy is generally considered benign during labor. We report a case of extensive scalds in a primigravida who used shower hydrotherapy to treat severe back labor pain from fetal malposition. Interestingly, her back pain was so severe that she felt no pain as her scald developed, describing the hot water from the showerhead as the only measure which "soothed" her pain. ⋯ Severe pain from persistent fetal malposition may alter somatic pain perception during labor, increasing burn risks during shower hydrotherapy. These women are also at increased risk of operative delivery and infection risks from inadvertent neuraxial blockade after burns. Improved prevention strategies and vigilance for scalds are warranted in women with severe back labor undergoing shower hydrotherapy, including by anesthesiologists assessing them for neuraxial blockade.