AJP reports
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Background Prolonged use of neuromuscular blocking agents (NMBAs) is very common in critically ill children both in pediatric and neonatal intensive care units. There are no guidelines available for use of NMBAs in children or neonates in the US, and the data for their safety in this age group is limited. ⋯ Conclusion Prolonged use of NMBAs in preterm infants should be avoided if possible or should be restricted to the shortest possible duration and the smallest possible physiologically effective dose. Concurrent use of NMBAs with aminoglycoside and steroids should be avoided, especially in the setting of renal failure.
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Objective The aim of this study was to assess which characteristics and results of vaginal examination are predictive for delivery within 7 days, in women with threatened preterm labor after initial treatment. Study Design A secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial on maintenance nifedipine includes women who remained undelivered after threatened preterm labor for 48 hours. We developed one model for women with premature prelabor rupture of membranes (PPROM) and one without PPROM. ⋯ For women without PPROM (model 2), maternal age, vaginal bleeding, cervical length, and fetal fibronectin (fFN) status were in the multivariable analysis. Discriminative capability was moderate to good (c-statistic 0.68; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.60-0.77 for model 1 and 0.89; 95% CI, 0.84-0.93 for model 2). Conclusion PPROM and vaginal bleeding in the current pregnancy are relevant predictive factors in all women, as are maternal age, cervical length, and fFN in women without PPROM and nulliparity, history of preterm birth in women with PPROM.
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Case A 24-year-old pregnant woman was admitted to our hospital with decreased fetal heart rate. Obstetric examination revealed premature placental abruption; emergent caesarean section was planned under general anesthesia. On entering the operating room, the patient showed severe vital sign deterioration (blood pressure, 75/45 mm Hg; heart rate, 142 beats per minute). ⋯ This was followed by insertion of the AWS with a thin intlock into the mouth. Tracheal intubation was performed uneventfully. Discussion Rapid-sequence intubation in the left-lateral tilted position with the AWS videolaryngoscope may be beneficial for pregnant women with vital sign deterioration.
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A 42-year-old, gravida 1, para 0 woman was induced at a gestational age of 41 weeks because of post-term dates. The fourth stage of delivery was complicated by a massive hemorrhage. ⋯ Lifesaving extra access was gained through an intraosseous needle in the proximal tibia. We therefore advocate including the use of an intraosseous needle as an additional route for intravascular volume replacement in case of peripartum hemorrhage.
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Routine use of prophylactic antibiotics reduces the risk of postcesarean fever and infections by over 50% in both nonelective and elective (scheduled) procedures. Although anaphylaxis to prophylactic antibiotics is rare, potentially fatal complications might occur. Herein, we present a case where disseminated intravascular coagulation and reversible ischemic neurological deficit complicated anaphylactic reactions to prophylactic antibiotics administered during cesarean delivery. ⋯ The postoperative course was complicated by reversible ischemic neurological deficit, which resolved on expectant management. Disseminated intravascular coagulation and reversible ischemic neurological deficit may complicate anaphylactic reaction to prophylactic antibiotics administered during cesarean delivery. Immediate recognition and intervention is crucial for a successful outcome.