International journal of obstetric anesthesia
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Int J Obstet Anesth · Jul 1997
An unusual complication following combined spinal-epidural anaesthesia for caesarean section.
The combined spinal-epidural technique is widely used in obstetric anaesthetic practice. Epidural catheter migration through a dural hole is a theoretical but rarely described complication. We report a case of acute and life-threatening respiratory depression following administration of diamorphine through an epidural catheter after a single space combined spinal-epidural technique for caesarean section. We believe this complication occurred as a result of catheter migration through a dural hole into the subdural space and rupture of the thin arachnoid layer causing massive subarachnoid blockade.
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Int J Obstet Anesth · Jul 1997
Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical TrialFeto-maternal distribution of ropivacaine and bupivacaine after epidural administration for cesarean section.
Ropivacaine is a new amino amide local anesthetic less lipophilic and with a lower affinity for plasma proteins than bupivacaine. The purpose of this study was to examine the feto-maternal distribution of ropivacaine and bupivacaine after epidural administration for cesarean section. Healthy parturients were randomly allocated in a double-blinded manner to receive either 0.5% ropivacaine or 0.5% bupivacaine through a lumbar epidural catheter. ⋯ At delivery, the maternal free plasma concentration of ropivacaine was more than twice that of the free concentration of bupivacaine (0.072 vs 0.032 microg/ml, P = 0.002). The free concentration of ropivacaine was about twice that of bupivacaine in the umbilical venous (0.06 vs 0.03 microg/ml, P = 0.001) and umbilical arterial (0.05 vs 0.02 microg/ml, P = 0.007) plasma. The more rapid plasma clearance of bupivacaine compared to ropivacaine, leading to lower maternal plasma concentrations and hence to lower umbilical concentrations at delivery, could be explained by the higher lipid solubility, hence greater distribution volume, of bupivacaine.
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Int J Obstet Anesth · Jul 1997
A survey of facilities for high risk women in consultant obstetric units.
Reports on Confidential Enquiries into Maternal Deaths and the Obstetric Anaesthetists' Association have made recommendations about the provision of staff and facilities in consultant obstetric units. We have carried out a postal survey of all units in the UK concerning provision of recovery facilities, high dependency and intensive care, and anaesthetic staffing. ⋯ In particular, only 62% had a designated and staffed recovery area, only 41% had specific obstetric high dependency beds and there were a number of units with no consultant anaesthetic sessions or trained anaesthetic assistants available around the clock. Despite the practical and financial difficulties in achieving recommended standards, it should be noted that purchasers of health care have been encouraged to ensure that the recommendations are implemented.
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Int J Obstet Anesth · Jul 1997
Severe respiratory depression in the obstetric patient after intrathecal meperidine or sufentanil.
Two cases of severe respiratory depression in the obstetric population are presented. The first occurred after intrathecal injection of a modest dose (50 mg) of meperidine. The second followed intrathecal administration of 10 microg of sufentanil after intravenous fentanyl. These cases illustrate the potential gravity of this complication and highlight the need for caution when giving intrathecal opioid following parenteral opioid administration.