International journal of obstetric anesthesia
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Int J Obstet Anesth · Jul 2011
A retrospective survey of adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes for parturients with congenital heart disease.
Parturients with congenital heart disease are at increased risk of maternal cardiac and neonatal complications. There is a paucity of literature regarding the relationship of complications with the type of anesthesia or mode of delivery. ⋯ Despite a low overall incidence of maternal and neonatal mortality, pregnancy in women with congenital heart disease was associated with significant maternal cardiac and neonatal complications. Elective cesarean delivery with neuraxial anesthesia was a common approach for high-risk parturients with congenital heart disease; however, the benefit of this mode of delivery and anesthetic technique could not be ascertained.
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Int J Obstet Anesth · Jul 2011
Case ReportsNon-invasive measurement of hemoglobin during cesarean hysterectomy: a case series.
Obstetric patients diagnosed with abnormal placentation (placenta accreta, increta or percreta) are at increased risk of major postpartum hemorrhage and cesarean hysterectomy. Obstetric anesthesiologists are primarily involved in intraoperative transfusion management in these cases. Hemoglobin assessment is invaluable for assisting transfusion decision-making during the acute period of obstetric hemorrhage. ⋯ A new non-invasive hemoglobin monitor has been introduced recently, which provides real-time measurement of hemoglobin values (SpHb) using multi-wavelength pulse co-oximetry. We present a review of five patients with suspected abnormal placentation who received SpHb monitoring during cesarean hysterectomy at our institution. We discuss the potential clinical utility of non-invasive hemoglobin monitoring for pregnant patients at high risk of obstetric hemorrhage, and the potential role of SpHb in guiding transfusion therapy.
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Int J Obstet Anesth · Jul 2011
Case ReportsAcute starvation in pregnancy: a cause of severe metabolic acidosis.
We report a case of starvation-induced metabolic ketoacidosis in a previously healthy 29-year-old, nulliparous woman at 32 weeks of gestation. She was admitted to hospital with mild preeclampsia associated with persistent nausea and vomiting that progressed to severe preeclampsia requiring urgent control of hypertension before caesarean delivery. Prolonged and severe vomiting limited oral caloric intake and led to starvation ketoacidosis, characterised by ketonuria and a raised anion gap metabolic acidosis that required intensive care support. ⋯ Fluid restriction used as part of our preeclampsia treatment regimen delayed the therapeutic administration of sufficient dextrose, which rapidly corrected her metabolic derangement when commenced after delivery. Electrolyte supplementation was given to prevent re-feeding syndrome. Both mother and baby were discharged without sequelae.
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Int J Obstet Anesth · Jul 2011
Case ReportsAnaesthesia for caesarean section in a patient with Sturge-Weber syndrome following acute neurological deterioration.
Sturge-Weber syndrome consists of facial capillary malformation (port-wine stain) and abnormal blood vessels in the brain or eye. Seizures, developmental delay and intracranial and airway angiomata are principal concerns. We report a 28-year-old primiparous woman at 41 weeks of gestation with Sturge-Weber syndrome who developed unilateral weakness, aphasia, blurred vision and confusion. ⋯ Despite the possibility of raised intracranial pressure and precipitation of cerebral herniation, a lumbar epidural block was administered but failed. A subarachnoid block was successfully performed and a healthy infant delivered. The choice of anaesthesia was strongly influenced by detailed radiological investigations and multidisciplinary participation.