International journal of obstetric anesthesia
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Int J Obstet Anesth · Aug 2019
Observational StudyObstetric admissions and outcomes in an intensive care unit in Malawi.
Despite international commitment to Millennium Development Goal 5, maternal mortality remains high in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) of sub-Saharan Africa. This is in part due to infrastructure gaps, including availability of intensive care units (ICUs). We sought to use obstetric ICU utilization as a marker of severe maternal morbidity and provide an initial characterization of its relationship with in-hospital mortality. ⋯ The proportion of obstetric subjects admitted to the ICU in Malawi is nearly 1 in 4, which exceeds that found in high-income countries by orders of magnitude. Intensive care unit admission was associated with high mortality in this population. Investments in improving infrastructure and care gaps may include addressing available ICU bed and blood-banking needs, and increasing the number of providers trained in managing critical illness among obstetric patients.
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Int J Obstet Anesth · Aug 2019
Readability, content, quality and accuracy assessment of internet-based patient education materials relating to labor analgesia.
With over 90% of parturients searching the internet for health information, the quality of information is important. Web-based patient education materials (PEMs) related to labor analgesia are frequently of low readability. This study compares the readability, content, quality and accuracy of labor analgesia-related PEMs from relevant healthcare society websites and the top internet search results. ⋯ Google search results for labor analgesia lead to PEMs of variable quality and readability. For readers to be better informed, web-based PEMs should be improved or women directed to society PEMs. Inaccurate information may lead to incorrect expectations and conflict during labor, with potentially lower maternal satisfaction.
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Int J Obstet Anesth · Aug 2019
Observational StudyEvaluation of the Obstetric Quality-of-Recovery score (ObsQoR-11) following non-elective caesarean delivery.
Few robust scoring tools exist to assess recovery following caesarean delivery (CD). We evaluated a new obstetric quality of recovery score (ObsQoR-11, initially formulated for elective CD) following non-elective CD. ⋯ ObsQoR-11 is valid and reliable in assessing recovery after non-elective CD. Further research should assess generalisability and use following vaginal delivery.
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Int J Obstet Anesth · Aug 2019
Case ReportsKyphomelic dysplasia, Pierre Robin Sequence and pregnant - a.
We present the anaesthetic management of a parturient with kyphomelic dysplasia and Pierre Robin Sequence who underwent elective caesarean delivery. Potential anaesthetic issues and management strategies are discussed.
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Int J Obstet Anesth · Aug 2019
Letter Case ReportsTransabdominal continuous echocardiographic monitoring of fetuses.