International journal of obstetric anesthesia
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A 30-year-old woman was admitted to the labour ward at term complaining of symptoms suggestive of raised intracranial pressure which were overlooked. Epidural analgesia was administered following induction of labour and was associated with a clear exacerbation of symptoms. After delivery a CT scan revealed a large cerebello-pontine angle tumour with obstructive hydrocephalus. This case report and literature review demonstrate the importance of a reasonable level of clinical suspicion and a careful neurological examination in patients with such symptomatology to allow sensible and safe guidance through labour.
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Int J Obstet Anesth · Apr 1995
The elective use of oxytocin infusion during labour in nulliparous women using epidural analgesia: a randomised double-blind placebo-controlled trial.
The obstetric outcome following the elective use of oxytocin infusion was determined in a randomised, double-blind placebo-controlled trial. 93 nulliparous women in a London hospital, who had requested epidural analgesia in labour (
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Int J Obstet Anesth · Apr 1995
Successful subdural anesthesia for cesarean section and postoperative pain management.
Subdural catheterization is a well described, but uncommon complication of attempted epidural block. Aspiration of blood or cerebrospinal fluid and use of a test dose can help identify venous or subarachnoid catheter placement but do not rule out subdural catheter placement. ⋯ This report describes the early identification of subdural placement of a catheter intended for the epidural space. We present radiologic confirmation of the catheter's location, and describe its use to provide successful anesthesia for cesarean section and postoperative analgesia.
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Int J Obstet Anesth · Apr 1995
Motor block during epidural infusions for nulliparous women in labour: a randomized double-blind study of plain bupivacaine and low dose bupivacaine with fentanyl.
Sixty nulliparous women received epidural infusions in labour of either 0.125% plain bupivacaine or 0.0625% bupivacaine containing 2.5 mcg/ml fentanyl both starting at 12 ml/h and titrated to maintain a sensory block to T10. Those women who received low dose bupivacaine with fentanyl took significantly longer to reach full cervical dilation (P < 0.05). There was no statistical difference between the groups in the number of additional epidural bolus doses required during the infusions. ⋯ The mode of delivery was similar in the two groups as was the satisfaction with epidural analgesia in both the first and second stages of labour and with labour overall. There were no significant differences in Apgar scores, umbilical cord blood pH levels or neurologic and adaptive capacity scores at 2 or 24 h. There was no significant difference in the incidence of symptoms 24 h after delivery.