International journal of obstetric anesthesia
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Int J Obstet Anesth · Oct 2012
Maternal characteristics and satisfaction associated with intrapartum epidural analgesia use in Canadian women.
The use of epidural analgesia for intrapartum pain relief has increased over recent decades, with rates varying among developed countries. The objective of this study was to determine the socio-demographic and obstetric characteristics and satisfaction associated with epidural analgesia use for intrapartum analgesia in Canadian women. ⋯ Socio-demographic and obstetric characteristics, combined with a high satisfaction with labor regardless of the method of pain relief, support the existence of smaller rural obstetric centers unable to provide availability of continuous epidural labor analgesia.
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Int J Obstet Anesth · Oct 2012
Review Meta AnalysisRisk factors for failed conversion of labor epidural analgesia to cesarean delivery anesthesia: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational trials.
Multiple labour epidural top-up boluses, caesarean section urgency or care by non-obstetric anaesthetists increase risk of failed epi anaesthesia.
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The α(2) adrenergic receptor agonist dexmedetomidine has some unique pharmacologic properties that could benefit pregnant patients (and their fetuses) when they require sedation, analgesia, and/or anesthesia during pregnancy. The purpose of the present study was to delineate maternal and fetal responses to an intravenous infusion of dexmedetomidine. ⋯ Using a clinically-relevant dosing regimen, intravenous infusion of dexmedetomidine produced significant maternal sedation without altering fetal physiologic status. Results from this initial acute assessment support the conduct of further studies to determine if dexmedetomidine has clinical utility for sedation and pain control during pregnancy.
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Int J Obstet Anesth · Oct 2012
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative StudyA comparison of epidural magnesium and/or morphine with bupivacaine for postoperative analgesia after cesarean section.
Magnesium can potentiate the antinociceptive effect of morphine. This prospective randomized double-blinded study was undertaken to establish the analgesic effect of adding magnesium to epidural morphine during cesarean section. ⋯ Addition of magnesium 500 mg and morphine 1.5mg to epidural 0.1% bupivacaine 10 mL reduced postoperative pain compared with addition of morphine or magnesium alone or no additive.
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Int J Obstet Anesth · Oct 2012
Case ReportsPlacental abruption occurring soon after labor combined spinal-epidural analgesia.
We present a case of placental abruption necessitating emergency cesarean section in an otherwise uncomplicated patient soon after initiation of combined spinal-epidural analgesia in labor. Administration of spinal opioids has the potential to cause fetal bradycardia due to uterine hypertonicity following rapid onset of analgesia. In this case, a previously bloody show before placement of combined spinal-epidural analgesia may have been evidence of a small abruption. We hypothesize that uterine hypertonicity following administration of spinal opioids may have hastened the development of an existing placental abruption.