International journal of obstetric anesthesia
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Int J Obstet Anesth · Nov 2017
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative StudyRocuronium versus suxamethonium for rapid sequence induction of general anaesthesia for caesarean section: influence on neonatal outcomes.
In a previous study we compared rocuronium and suxamethonium for rapid-sequence induction of general anaesthesia for caesarean section and found no difference in maternal outcome. There was however, a significant difference in Apgar scores. As this was a secondary outcome, we extended the study to explore this finding on a larger sample. ⋯ The use of rocuronium was associated with lower Apgar scores at 1min compared with suxamethonium. The clinical significance of this is unclear and warrants further investigation.
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Int J Obstet Anesth · Nov 2017
Pharmacokinetics of bupivacaine after bilateral ultrasound-guided transversus abdominis plane block following cesarean delivery under spinal anesthesia.
Transversus abdominis plane block is an effective method of post-cesarean analgesia. There are no data available about plasma bupivacaine levels after this block in adults. This study aimed to assess bupivacaine pharmacokinetic parameters after ultrasound-guided transversus abdominis plane blocks following cesarean delivery under spinal anesthesia. ⋯ Single-dose bilateral transversus abdominis plane block using 100mg of bupivacaine, after spinal anesthesia for cesarean delivery, can result in toxic plasma bupivacaine concentrations.
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Int J Obstet Anesth · Nov 2017
Case ReportsEthical and medical management of a pregnant woman with brain stem death resulting in delivery of a healthy child and organ donation.
Maternal brain death during pregnancy remains an exceedingly complex situation that requires not only a well-considered medical management plan, but also careful decision-making in a legally and ethically delicate situation. Management of brain dead pregnant patients needs to adhere to special strategies that support the mother in a way that she can deliver a viable and healthy child. Brain death in pregnant women is very rare, with only a few published cases. ⋯ The patient received continuous hormone substitution therapy, fetal monitoring and extrinsic regulation of maternal homeostasis over 64days. After delivery, the final diagnosis of brain death was established through multi-slice computerized tomography pan-angiography. This challenging case discusses ethical and medical circumstances arising from a diagnosis of maternal brain death, while showing that prolongation of somatic life support in a multidisciplinary setting can result in a successful pregnancy outcome.