International journal of obstetric anesthesia
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Int J Obstet Anesth · Feb 2014
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative StudyA randomized comparison of onset of anesthesia between spinal bupivacaine 5mg with immediate epidural 2% lidocaine 5mL and bupivacaine 10mg for cesarean delivery.
Previous studies using low-dose spinal anesthesia for cesarean delivery have focused on hypotension and efficacy. This study evaluated whether, using a combined spinal-epidural technique, there was a difference in onset of anesthesia for cesarean delivery between low-dose spinal with an immediate epidural local anesthetic bolus, and conventional-dose spinal anesthesia. ⋯ Intrathecal bupivacaine 5 mg with immediate 2% epidural lidocaine 5 mL provided comparable onset and efficacy of anesthesia as bupivacaine 10 mg with immediate epidural normal saline 5 mL for cesarean delivery.
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Int J Obstet Anesth · Feb 2014
Observational StudyPregnancy is associated with a decrease in pharyngeal but not tracheal or laryngeal cross-sectional area: a pilot study using the acoustic reflection method.
The risk of difficult upper airway access is increased during pregnancy, especially in labor. Changes in upper airway calibre have been poorly studied during pregnancy. The acoustic reflection method is a non-invasive technique that allows a longitudinal assessment of the cross-sectional area of the upper airway from the mouth to carina. We used this technique to evaluate upper airway calibre during normal pregnancy. ⋯ Using measurements with the acoustic reflection method, normal pregnancy is associated with a significant reduction in the cross-sectional area of the pharynx and a concomitant increase in the Mallampati score. No change was observed in the minimal and mean tracheal cross-sectional areas.
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Int J Obstet Anesth · Feb 2014
Observational StudyAn observational assessment of the sublingual microcirculation of pregnant and non-pregnant women.
The microcirculation is responsible for distribution of blood within tissues, delivery of oxygen and other nutrients, and regulation of blood pressure. The objective of this study was to compare the sublingual microcirculation of pregnant participants to that of comparable non-pregnant volunteers. ⋯ The microvascular flow index of pregnant women is higher than a comparable non-pregnant group, which appears to correlate with the physiological changes of pregnancy.
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Int J Obstet Anesth · Feb 2014
Anatomical characterisation of the cricothyroid membrane in females of childbearing age using computed tomography.
In the event of failure to secure the airway by conventional means, it may be necessary to perform invasive airway access via the cricothyroid membrane. No studies have addressed anatomy of this structure in the obstetric population. We aimed to review the anatomical variation of this structure in a population of childbearing age. ⋯ The cricothyroid membrane is not necessarily a superficial structure and consequently may be difficult to palpate. The smallest dimensions of the membrane indicate that smaller than recommended cricothyroidotomy devices may be required in some patients as the external diameter of commercial trocar devices and tracheal tubes may exceed 7 mm.
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Int J Obstet Anesth · Feb 2014
Case ReportsPeripartum cardiomyopathy: postpartum decompensation and use of non-invasive cardiac output monitoring.
The utility of a non-invasive cardiac output monitor (NICOM™) in guiding the peripartum management and identification of postpartum complications in a patient with severe peripartum cardiomyopathy is reported. A 31-year-old nulliparous woman at 35 weeks of gestation presented with a three-week history of worsening dyspnea and progressive functional deterioration. A transthoracic echocardiogram showed severe left ventricular systolic dysfunction with an ejection fraction <20%. ⋯ Fifteen hours post-delivery, the patient developed cardiogenic shock, which resolved after aggressive therapy with inotropes and furosemide. NICOM™ can be used to guide treatment during labor and delivery in patients with critical peripartum cardiomyopathy. We suggest that use of NICOM™ be extended into the postpartum period to detect signs of cardiac decompensation in such patients.