International journal of obstetric anesthesia
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Int J Obstet Anesth · Feb 2020
Review Meta AnalysisIntrathecal catheterisation after observed accidental dural puncture in labouring women: up-date of a meta-analysis and a trial-sequential analysis.
Our meta-analysis from 2013 showed that inserting a catheter intrathecally after an observed accidental dural puncture can reduce the need for epidural blood patch in labouring women requesting epidural analgesia. We updated our conventional meta-analysis and added a trial-sequential analysis (TSA). ⋯ Conventional meta-analyses showed for the first time that intrathecal catheterisation can reduce the incidence of PDPH. However, TSA did not corroborate this finding. Despite increasing use in clinical practice there is no firm evidence on which to base a definite conclusion.
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Int J Obstet Anesth · Feb 2020
Impact of intra-operative dexamethasone after scheduled cesarean delivery: a retrospective study.
Dexamethasone is an effective analgesic and anti-emetic in patients undergoing many surgical procedures but its effects on pain after cesarean delivery are poorly studied. The aim of this study was to evaluate if routine intra-operative administration of dexamethasone improved analgesia and decreased postoperative nausea and vomiting after scheduled cesarean delivery. ⋯ This impact study involving more than 360 patients suggests that routine administration of intra-operative intravenous dexamethasone 4 mg does not provide additional analgesic benefit after scheduled cesarean delivery, in the context of a multimodal postoperative analgesic regimen. Studies are required to determine if a larger dose or repeated administration influence postoperative analgesia or side effects, or whether certain subsets of patients may benefit.
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Int J Obstet Anesth · Feb 2020
An educational intervention about the classification of penicillin allergies: effect on the appropriate choice of antibiotic therapy in pregnant women.
Most pregnant women who self-report penicillin allergy are not truly penicillin-allergic and this misunderstanding often leads to administration of inappropriate antibiotic therapy. Decision algorithms have been developed to guide antibiotic selection but major discrepancies have been reported between guidelines and clinical practice. We aimed to optimize the prescription of antibiotics for pregnant women who self-reported penicillin allergy, using an educational intervention about the classification of penicillin allergies that targeted gynecologists, anesthesiologists and midwives. ⋯ An educational intervention about penicillin allergy classification was associated with an improvement in the choice of appropriate antibiotic therapy among women who had reported penicillin allergy.
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Int J Obstet Anesth · Feb 2020
Case ReportsUse of transnasal humidified rapid-insufflation ventilatory exchange (THRIVE) to facilitate the management of subglottic stenosis in pregnancy.
Subglottic stenosis is a rare condition. Diagnosis is often delayed as symptoms are attributed to other causes, such as asthma. This problem may be compounded in pregnancy when dyspnoea may be attributed to normal physiological changes. ⋯ In pregnancy, elevation of maternal carbon dioxide is of particular concern as it may result in a worsening fetal acidosis. While THRIVE has been shown to provide some clearance of carbon dioxide, a patent airway is required for it to function effectively. In this case report we describe the management of a pregnant patient who underwent balloon dilatation for severe subglottic stenosis at 23 weeks' gestation using THRIVE and we summarise the evidence supporting the use of this new technique in pregnant women.