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
ReviewHow severity and classification of pulmonary hypertension affect pregnancy outcomes: a systematic review and timeline.
Women with pulmonary hypertension (PH) have increased mortality during pregnancy and the peripartum period. An increasing number of publications suggest improvements in maternal outcomes, so we conducted a systematic review focusing on disease severity and maternal survival. After screening 9097 potential studies from 1967 to 2021, we identified 66 relevant publications. ⋯ Mortality was lower in patients with mild disease (0.8%) than in those with Eisenmenger syndrome (26.2%) or idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (7.4-24.0%). One major drawback of the published studies is that they define severity using echocardiographic-estimated pulmonary artery pressures, without considering more contemporary parameters. This systematic review provides new insights for preconception counseling on pregnancy risks related to PH and suggests that PH classification and severity should be carefully considered in determining an individual's pregnancy-associated risk.