Anaesthesia
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Randomized Controlled Trial
A randomised double-blind controlled study evaluating the hypothermic effect of 150 microg morphine during spinal anaesthesia for Caesarean section.
We studied the hypothermic effect of adding 150 microg morphine during spinal anaesthesia in 60 parturients scheduled for elective caesarean section. All the parturients received intrathecal injection of a solution containing 150 mug morphine or normal saline in addition to 10-12 mg hyperbaric bupivacaine 0.5%. ⋯ The lowest temperature observed in the morphine group was 34.3 degrees C. We conclude that intrathecal injection of 150 microg morphine intensified the intra-operative hypothermic effect of bupivacaine spinal anaesthesia for caesarean section.
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The prevalence of obesity continues to increase despite preventive strategies. Obese parturients are at increased risk of having either concurrent medical problems or superimposed antenatal diseases such as pre-eclampsia and gestational diabetes. Moreover, they have a tendency to labour abnormally contributing to increased instrumental delivery and Caesarean section. ⋯ The mother's life should not be jeopardised to save a compromised fetus. Prophylactic placement of an epidural catheter when not contraindicated in labouring morbidly obese women would potentially decrease anaesthetic and perinatal complications associated with attempts at emergency provision of regional or general anaesthesia. Early mobilisation, aggressive chest physiotherapy and adequate pain control are essential components of effective postoperative care.