International journal of obstetric anesthesia
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Int J Obstet Anesth · Oct 2012
Review Meta AnalysisRisk factors for failed conversion of labor epidural analgesia to cesarean delivery anesthesia: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational trials.
Multiple labour epidural top-up boluses, caesarean section urgency or care by non-obstetric anaesthetists increase risk of failed epi anaesthesia.
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Int J Obstet Anesth · Oct 2012
Case ReportsAcute pancreatitis in pregnancy: review of three cases and anaesthetic management.
Acute pancreatitis is rare in pregnancy, with an estimated incidence of 1 in 1000-3000 pregnancies. Gallstones are the commonest cause. Mortality and morbidity associated with pancreatitis have declined as diagnosis and management options improve. ⋯ Recurrence of pancreatitis during pregnancy may necessitate more urgent surgery. The second trimester is considered the safest for surgery, with early involvement of intensive care as the condition can deteriorate rapidly. We present three cases managed in our unit over a six-month period that illustrate the spectrum of disease and the successful use of a multidisciplinary team approach.
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Int J Obstet Anesth · Oct 2012
Case ReportsPlacental abruption occurring soon after labor combined spinal-epidural analgesia.
We present a case of placental abruption necessitating emergency cesarean section in an otherwise uncomplicated patient soon after initiation of combined spinal-epidural analgesia in labor. Administration of spinal opioids has the potential to cause fetal bradycardia due to uterine hypertonicity following rapid onset of analgesia. In this case, a previously bloody show before placement of combined spinal-epidural analgesia may have been evidence of a small abruption. We hypothesize that uterine hypertonicity following administration of spinal opioids may have hastened the development of an existing placental abruption.
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Int J Obstet Anesth · Oct 2012
Can the passive leg raise test predict spinal hypotension during cesarean delivery? An observational pilot study.
It was hypothesized that patients who are preload dependent, as demonstrated by a >12% increase in cardiac output in response to a passive leg raise test, would be more likely to exhibit hypotension during spinal anesthesia for cesarean delivery. ⋯ In this pilot study, non-invasive assessment of the hemodynamic response to a volume load was not predictive of hypotension or vasopressor use during cesarean delivery under spinal anesthesia. Fluid responsiveness was related to hemodynamic responses at delivery.