International journal of obstetric anesthesia
-
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.
-
Int J Obstet Anesth · Aug 2024
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative StudyNon-inferiority randomized controlled trial comparing CricOid pressure and para-laryngeal pressure in parturients undergoing cesarean delivery: NiCOP trial.
Cricoid pressure has been surrounded with controversies regarding its effectiveness. Application of ultrasound-guided para-laryngeal (PL) force has been shown to occlude the esophagus effectively compared with cricoid pressure (CP) in awake patients. We hypothesized that there would be no meaningful difference in the change in antero-posterior esophageal diameter from with application of cricoid or para-laryngeal pressure in parturients undergoing cesarean delivery under general anesthesia. ⋯ Para-laryngeal pressure was non-inferior to CP in occluding the esophagus in parturients undergoing cesarean delivery under general anesthesia and furthermore, no significant deterioration in intubation parameters was seen.
-
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.
-
Int J Obstet Anesth · Aug 2024
Comparative StudyProgrammed intermittent epidural bolus regimen vs continuous epidural infusion: a retrospective study of motor block and obstetric outcomes using the Robson's Ten Group Classification System.
Use of a programmed intermittent epidural bolus (PIEB) regimen during labour is associated with several benefits over a continuous epidural infusion (CEI), including reduced local anaesthetic consumption and reduced risk of motor block. We hypothesise that the benefits of a PIEB regimen may vary according to the Robson Ten Group Classification System (TGCS). The aim of this study was to determine if introduction of a PIEB regimen was associated with reduced incidence of motor block. We also wished to examine changes in obstetric outcomes following PIEB introduction across the Robson TGCS. ⋯ Introduction of PIEB for maintenance of labour analgesia was associated with reduced incidence of motor block in our institution compared with CEI. Presenting results according to Robson's TGCS in future studies may allow better elucidation of the impact of neuraxial analgesia on maternal and obstetric outcomes.
-
Int J Obstet Anesth · Aug 2024
Comparative Study Observational StudyEarly viscoelastometric guided fibrinogen replacement combined with escalation of clinical care reduces progression in postpartum haemorrhage: a comparison of outcomes from two prospective observational studies.
Viscoelastometric haemostatic assays (VHA) give rapid information on coagulation status, allowing individualised resuscitation. ⋯ These results suggest that use of VHA as part of an early bundle of PPH care targeting fibrinogen ≤2 g/L with fibrinogen concentrate reduces PPH progression. The greatest benefit was seen when fibrinogen levels were ≤2 g/L at first testing.