International journal of obstetric anesthesia
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Int J Obstet Anesth · Aug 2015
Randomized Controlled TrialEffect-site concentration of remifentanil during patient-controlled analgesia in labour.
Intravenous remifentanil has been described for patient-controlled analgesia in labour. Recently, the application of target-controlled infusion pumps with Minto's pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic model has been reported. Hypothetical effect-site remifentanil concentration during patient-controlled analgesia for labour has yet to be examined. The aim of this concept study was to explore characteristics of this parameter. ⋯ The residual value of hypothetical effect-site remifentanil concentration before uterine contraction, at the beginning of bolus administration, predicted lower pain scores. Monitoring effect-site remifentanil concentration may be potentially useful when remifentanil is administered for labour analgesia. However, our results need to be confirmed with a pharmacokinetic model optimized for pregnant patients.
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Int J Obstet Anesth · Aug 2015
Randomized Controlled TrialPencil-point needle bevel direction influences ED50 of isobaric ropivacaine with fentanyl in spinal anesthesia for cesarean delivery: a prospective, double-blind sequential allocation study.
There is little evidence on the influence of bevel direction of a pencil-point needle on the median effective dose (ED50) of isobaric ropivacaine and fentanyl in spinal anesthesia for cesarean delivery. ⋯ The orientation of the distal aperture of a 26-gauge Whitacre needle during induction of spinal anesthesia for cesarean delivery influences the ED50 of 0.75% ropivacaine.
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Int J Obstet Anesth · Aug 2015
ReviewSpinal dysraphisms in the parturient: implications for perioperative anaesthetic care and labour analgesia.
Anaesthetists may encounter parturients with a spectrum of anatomical and functional abnormalities secondary to spinal dysraphisms, which are among the most common neurodevelopmental anomalies. These range from surgically corrected open dysraphisms to previously undiagnosed closed dysraphisms. Both bony and neural structures may be abnormal. ⋯ Previous corrective de-tethering surgery frequently does not result in ascent of the conus and re-tethering may be asymptomatic. Ultrasound is not sufficiently validated at the point of care to reliably detect low-lying cords. Epidurals should be performed at anatomically normal levels but spread of local anaesthetic may be impaired by previous surgery.
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Int J Obstet Anesth · Aug 2015
Comparative StudyScheduled acetaminophen with as-needed opioids compared to as-needed acetaminophen plus opioids for post-cesarean pain management.
Combination opioid-acetaminophen drugs are commonly used for pain management after cesarean delivery. The aim of this study was to determine if scheduled acetaminophen decreases opioid use compared to as-needed combination acetaminophen-opioid administration. ⋯ After cesarean delivery, scheduled acetaminophen results in decreased opioid use and more consistent acetaminophen intake compared to acetaminophen administered as needed via combination acetaminophen-opioid analgesics, without compromising analgesia.