International journal of obstetric anesthesia
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Int J Obstet Anesth · Feb 2024
The minimum effective dose (ED90) of prophylactic oxytocin infusion during cesarean delivery in patients with and without obesity: an up-down sequential allocation dose-response study.
Obesity is associated with greater oxytocin requirement during labor induction or augmentation. There are scant data exploring the intra-operative requirement during cesarean delivery in patients with obesity, and none comparing it with those without obesity. We evaluated the minimum effective dose (ED90) of an oxytocin infusion to achieve adequate uterine tone during cesarean delivery in patients with and without obesity. ⋯ Patients with obesity require a higher intra-operative oxytocin infusion dose rate to achieve a satisfactorily contracted uterus after fetal delivery when compared with patients without obesity.
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Caesarean section (CS) is a major abdominal surgery performed usually on a young and healthy population under neuraxial anesthesia with little to no sedation. This creates a distinct surgical experience whereby patients are aware of the surgical process, physical sensations, and their environment. This study aimed to provide an in-depth descriptive assessment of subjective surgical experience during CS under regional anaesthesia. We expected the information gained would enhance our current understanding and better alleviate patient anxiety through informed counselling. ⋯ Patients commonly experienced pressure and movement sensations at varying intensity, and most did not experience pain. Environmental factors, including sounds and distraction by the newborn, affected perception of surgical sensation. Patients wish to receive pre-operative counselling regarding potential surgical sensations, as well as ongoing communication from their anaesthesiologist. These results can be used to guide informed discussions with patients and direct further investigation in this area.
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Int J Obstet Anesth · Feb 2024
Novice learners' perspectives on obstetric airway crisis decision-making training using virtual reality simulation.
Current training on managing an obstetric difficult airway crisis is likely inadequate, as real-life opportunities to practice are rare. Frequent simulation training sessions could be helpful but are resource intensive. Virtual reality (VR) simulation training may be a potential tool to complement existing simulation curricula. ⋯ We identified the advantages of VR simulation and its potential as an intervention to address gaps in our curriculum. Areas of improvement were identified for more effective future implementation.
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Int J Obstet Anesth · Feb 2024
Case ReportsDexamethasone for postoperative nausea and vomiting prophylaxis in cesarean delivery and a delayed diagnosis of neonatal congenital adrenal hyperplasia.
The case of a false-negative newborn screen for congenital adrenal hyperplasia in a 37 weeks' gestation 46,XX neonate, thought to be due to maternal administration of dexamethasone intra-operatively prior to umbilical cord clamping, for postoperative nausea and vomiting prophylaxis after neuraxial anesthesia, is described.