Seminars in perinatology
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Seminars in perinatology · Oct 2014
ReviewPost-dural puncture headache: the worst common complication in obstetric anesthesia.
Ever since the first spinal anesthetic in the late 19th century, the problem of "spinal headache" or post-dural puncture headache (PDPH) has plagued clinicians, and more importantly, patients. It has long been realized that the headache and other symptoms that often occur after the entry of a needle into the subarachnoid space is somehow related to fluid loss, although the exact pathophysiology of the headache has really never been defined. ⋯ In this article, we will discuss the current state of knowledge in this area, suggesting that the PDPH syndrome is more severe and often more long-lasting, with some potentially life-threatening complications (cerebral hemorrhage) than usually appreciated or admitted. While prevention and treatment options are still limited, with the only clearly effective treatment being the epidural blood patch, recognition of the PDPH syndrome in postpartum women by anesthesiologists and obstetricians, with aggressive follow-up and treatment, may help limit the associated morbidity and mortality.
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Seminars in perinatology · Oct 2014
ReviewThe anesthetic approach to operative delivery of the extremely obese parturient.
Extreme obesity (BMI ≥ 40) is thought to complicate approximately 5% of deliveries in the United States. Extreme obesity puts a pregnant woman at an increased risk for cardiovascular disease, including hypertension, coronary artery disease, and congestive heart failure; respiratory disease, including obstructive sleep apnea and asthma; as well as pregnancy-specific diseases including pregnancy-induced hypertension and gestational diabetes. ⋯ This review will focus on the anesthetic approach to the extremely obese parturient undergoing scheduled operative delivery. With proper planning and a detailed understanding of the patient's comorbidities, a safe and effective anesthetic can be achieved.