International journal of obstetric anesthesia
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Int J Obstet Anesth · May 2023
ReviewThe use of processed electroencephalography (pEEG) in obstetric anaesthesia: a narrative review.
Accidental awareness under general anaesthesia (AAGA) remains a major complication of anaesthesia. The incidence of AAGA during obstetric anaesthesia is high relative to other specialities. The use of processed electroencephalography (pEEG) in the form of "depth of anaesthesia" monitoring has been shown to reduce the incidence of AAGA in the non-obstetric population. ⋯ In addition, pEEG acts as a surrogate marker of cerebral perfusion, and thus as an additional monitor for impending cardiovascular collapse, as seen in amniotic fluid embolism. The subtle physiological and pathological changes in EEG activity that may occur during pregnancy are an unexplored research area in the context of anaesthetic pEEG monitors. We believe that the direction of clinical practice is moving towards greater use of pEEG monitoring and individualisation of anaesthesia.
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Int J Obstet Anesth · May 2023
ReviewEquity in provision and access to obstetric anaesthesia care in Nigeria.
Nigeria has a high maternal mortality rate, yet there is wide variation in the proportion of births by caesarean section between zones, states, and cities within Nigeria. This review examines the pattern of the COVID-19 pandemic and the impact of mitigation measures on women's health in Nigeria. The combined impact of COVID-19 and conflicts on maternal healthcare and access to obstetric care, as well as the availability of obstetric anaesthesia in Nigeria, are discussed. There is a vicious cycle, intensified by unwanted pregnancy, abortion, and preventable maternal death.
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Int J Obstet Anesth · May 2023
ReviewScholarship in anesthesiology: the role of critical appraisal, literature review, quality improvement, journal club, and presentation skills.
If asked to describe the term "anesthesiologist scholar", one may receive a variety of definitions depending on the individual's area of practice, location in the world, and the generation in which they trained. In this article, we review the roles of five core elements that make an anesthesiologist a "scholar": skills in critical appraisal, literature review, quality improvement, journal club participation, and presentation delivery. ⋯ Overall, through the dissemination, recognition, and support of scholarship through these practices, we will continue to achieve meaningful outcomes for our patients and promote a culture of collaboration worldwide. We should ensure that these topic areas become a bedrock of medical education globally, and we must foster opportunities for those who have already completed training to develop and master these skills as a part of their clinical and academic practice.
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Int J Obstet Anesth · May 2023
Global issues in obstetric anaesthesia: perspectives from South Africa, Japan, China, Latin America and North America.
South Africa is classified as a low- and middle-income country, with a complex mixture of resource-rich and resource-limited settings. In the major referral hospitals, the necessary skill level exists for the management of complex challenges. However, this contrasts with the frequently-inadequate skill levels of anaesthesia practitioners in resource-limited environments. ⋯ Anaesthesia workforce challenges, exacerbated by coronavirus disease 2019, beset North American healthcare. Pre-existing struggles by governments and decision-makers to improve health care access remain, partly due to unfamiliarity with the role of the anaesthesiologist. In addition to weaknesses in work environments and dated standards of work culture, the work-life balance demanded by new generations of anaesthesiologists must be acknowledged.
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Int J Obstet Anesth · May 2023
Observational StudyClinical and ultrasonographic assessment of airway indices among non-pregnant, normotensive pregnant and pre-eclamptic patients: a prospective observational study.
Prediction of a difficult airway is of paramount importance for an anaesthesiologist. Various anatomical and physiological factors contribute to a difficult airway in pregnant females, especially those with pre-eclampsia. The aim of the study was to assess airway indices using both routinely used clinical methods and ultrasound. ⋯ Routinely used clinical methods of airway assessment lack sensitivity and specificity. Ultrasound can visualise anatomical structures in the supraglottic and subglottic views and is encouraging as an airway assessment tool.