International journal of obstetric anesthesia
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Int J Obstet Anesth · Feb 2022
Case ReportsNeuraxial anesthesia in a parturient with common variable immunodeficiency: a case report.
Choosing whether or not to initiate neuraxial anesthesia in pregnant women with immune system defects may be challenging. Anesthesiologists have the responsibility of making the best decision in terms of anesthesia management for both mother and baby during the labor and delivery process. Whether neuraxial anesthesia is associated with an increased risk of central nervous system infection in immunocompromised compared with healthy patients is unknown. ⋯ There are no guidelines regarding the indications and limitations of regional anesthesia procedures in these patients. Immunocompromised patients are now seen more commonly, and it is essential to adopt a multidisciplinary approach to their care while tailoring anesthetic plans to the individual. We present the case of a 37-year-old parturient who had a congenital immune deficiency and who developed aseptic meningitis after receiving spinal anesthesia for cesarean delivery.
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Int J Obstet Anesth · Feb 2022
Review Case ReportsPostpartum cerebral venous sinus thrombosis following obstetric neuraxial blockade: a literature review with analysis of 58 case reports.
Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) is a rare complication of pregnancy. It usually presents with a headache and may mimic a post-dural puncture headache (PDPH) in women who receive a neuraxial block. ⋯ The diagnosis of CVST may be overlooked in women who present with headache following neuraxial block. A change in character of headache with loss of postural element, and focal neurological signs are the key clinical features that could help anaesthetists differentiate headache of CVST from PDPH. The high reported rates of ADP and PDPH lend support to their possible association with CVST.
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Int J Obstet Anesth · Feb 2022
Neuraxial anesthesia and postoperative opioid administration for cesarean delivery in patients with placenta accreta spectrum disorder: a retrospective cohort study.
There is no consensus on optimal anesthetic and analgesic management of patients presenting for cesarean delivery with suspected placenta accreta spectrum disorder. Neuraxial anesthesia is preferred for uncomplicated procedures, but general anesthesia may be indicated for those at risk of hemorrhage and hysterectomy. We compared the effect of anesthesia techniques on postoperative maternal opioid administration and neonatal respiratory distress. ⋯ Patients receiving general anesthesia alone were administered more opioids than those undergoing neuraxial anesthesia or neuraxial with conversion to general anesthesia. This finding was maintained when accounting for whether or not the patient underwent hysterectomy. Deciding on anesthetic management requires consideration of patient comorbidities, severity of placenta accreta spectrum pathology, and surgical requirements.
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Int J Obstet Anesth · Feb 2022
Case ReportsMeningitis following cerebrospinal fluid-cutaneous fistula secondary to combined spinal-epidural anaesthesia for elective caesarean delivery.
Cerebrospinal fluid-cutaneous fistula is a rare complication associated with neuraxial procedures. Here, we describe a case of fistula formation related to combined spinal-epidural anaesthesia for elective caesarean delivery, where the epidural catheter was removed only two hours later. ⋯ Subsequently, the patient presented with neurological signs and symptoms consistent with meningitis and was treated empirically with intravenous antibiotics. Cerebrospinal fluid-cutaneous fistula formation with secondary meningitis is an exceptionally rare event in obstetric anaesthesia.
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Int J Obstet Anesth · Feb 2022
Anesthesia providers' perspectives on abortion provision: deductive findings from a qualitative study.
A clinician's willingness to provide abortion care is complex. Anesthesia providers' experiences in providing anesthesia for abortion are not well studied. We aimed to explore anesthesia providers' perspectives on abortion provision. ⋯ Southeastern United States anesthesia providers hold a spectrum of personal views on abortion and are willing to provide anesthesia for second trimester abortion in specific clinical scenarios. Findings may inform future research or professional development activities, which are important efforts toward improving multidisciplinary abortion care.