Journal of clinical anesthesia
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Case Reports
An atypical presentation of chronic Stanford type A aortic dissection during pregnancy.
Aortic dissection is a rare but devastating disease during pregnancy, usually presenting with sharp pains on the chest or back. We report a pregnant woman suffering from chronic Stanford type A aortic dissection presented with atypical symptoms without pain in the third trimester with markedly dilated aortic root and congestive heart failure, who received concomitant cesarean delivery and aortic repair with good maternal and fetal outcomes. Multidisciplinary approach and tight hemodynamic control are very important. More attention should be paid to those atypical symptoms so as to early identify this scarce but disastrous disease during pregnancy.
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Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) is an inherited disease characterized by defects in various collagens or their post translational modification, with an incidence estimated at 1 in 5000. Performance of peripheral nerve block in patients with EDS is controversial, due to easy bruising and hematoma formation after injections as well as reports of reduced block efficacy. The objective of this study was to review the charts of EDS patients who had received peripheral nerve block for any evidence of complications or reduced efficacy. ⋯ This series fails to show an increased risk of complications of peripheral nerve blockade in patients with hypermobility-type EDS.
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A pregnant patient in second trimester scheduled for posterior fossa craniotomy in prone position is a challenge for the anesthesiologist. Things to consider are physiological changes during pregnancy, non-obstetric surgery in pregnant patients, neuroanesthetic principles, effects of prone positioning, and need for fetal heart rate (FHR) monitoring. We have described the anesthetic management of this case and discussed intra-operative FHR monitoring including controversies about its role, indications, and various options available as per fetal gestational age. ⋯ Decisions regarding fetal monitoring should be individualized based on viability of the fetus and feasibility of emergency cesarean delivery. Good communication between a multidisciplinary team involving neurosurgeon, anesthesiologist, obstetrician, and neonatologist is important for a successful outcome for mother and fetus. We conclude that prone position neurosurgery can safely be carried out in a pregnant patient with pre-viable fetus without FHR monitoring.
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Observational Study
Influence of dexmedetomidine on cognitive function in volunteers.
Some outpatient procedures are performed under sedation with dexmedetomidine, although the effect of dexmedetomidine on cognitive function remains unclear. This study investigated the effect of dexmedetomidine on cognitive function in healthy volunteers. ⋯ Dexmedetomidine slightly reduced response speed and consistency, but did not affect response accuracy. Cognitive function was restored to pre-administration values 2 hours after the infusion of dexmedetomidine was discontinued.
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Observational Study
Time-dependent changes in epidural catheter aspirate after injection of a local anesthetic.
A glucose check is used for investigation of a suspected accidental dural puncture in epidural anesthesia. However, glucose-positive clear fluid is sometimes aspirated from an epidural catheter in cases without clinical evidence of puncture. The goal of the study was to investigate time-dependent changes in the aspirate composition after injection of a local anesthetic into the epidural space. ⋯ A glucose check may increase the risk of a false-positive finding for accidental dural puncture with increasing time after local anesthetic injection. Conversely, detection of glucose at the time of epidural catheter placement may provide useful information for detection of accidental dural puncture.