International journal of obstetric anesthesia
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Int J Obstet Anesth · Feb 2016
ReviewRemifentanil for labor analgesia: an evidence-based narrative review.
This manuscript reviews the available literature on remifentanil patient-controlled intravenous analgesia in labor focusing on efficacy and safety. Remifentanil compares favorably to other potent systemic opioids but with fewer opioid-related neonatal effects. However, remifentanil provides modest and short-lasting labor analgesia that is consistently inferior when compared to neuraxial analgesia. ⋯ In several studies, remifentanil induced significant respiratory depressant effects in laboring women with episodes of desaturation, hypoventilation and even apnea. Given the safety concerns, we recommend that remifentanil patient-controlled intravenous analgesia should not be a routine analgesia technique during labor. In cases where neuraxial analgesia is refused or contraindicated and the use of remifentanil justified, continuous and careful monitoring is required to detect respiratory depression to provide safe care of both the pregnant woman and unborn child.
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Int J Obstet Anesth · Feb 2016
Case ReportsNon-invasive cardiac output monitoring for cesarean delivery under epidural anesthesia in a patient with Marfan syndrome and cardiomyopathy.
Maternal cardiac output and stroke volume increase significantly at the time of cesarean delivery. Parturients with baseline myocardial dysfunction are at increased risk of cardiovascular decompensation in the peripartum period and close hemodynamic monitoring is warranted. We report our use of intraoperative non-invasive cardiac output monitoring during cesarean delivery under epidural anesthesia in a 24-year-old woman with dilated cardiomyopathy secondary to Marfan syndrome, aortic arch, aortic valve and mitral valve replacements and a left ventricular ejection fraction of 37%. ⋯ By the end of surgery, cardiac output and stroke volume ultimately increased by 66% and 84% of baseline values, respectively. Systemic blood pressure, heart rate and cardiac output did not appear to correlate despite the use of phenylephrine to manage hypotension. The patient remained hemodynamically stable with no evidence of acute volume overload.
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Int J Obstet Anesth · Feb 2016
The extension of epidural blockade for emergency caesarean section: a survey of Scandinavian practice.
Little is known about drugs and safety precautions used during epidural top-ups for emergency caesarean section in Scandinavia. We surveyed Scandinavian practice of epidural top-up regimens for emergency caesarean sections. ⋯ Epidural top-ups for emergency caesarean section in Scandinavia are used frequently but normally performed in the operating theatre. Drugs used differ greatly between countries and departments although top-up volumes appear similar. During transport, available equipment and drugs were limited. Best practice guidelines and national guidelines present little information on epidural top-ups that could explain the variation found.