Anaesthesia
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A retrospective survey has been carried out of 6442 births during 1973-1974 in Cardiff. Lumbar epidural block had been administered to the mothers of 13-7% (885) of the births, the principle indication being relief of pain. In the management of the mother special emphasis was laid upon avoiding aorto-caval compression. ⋯ This improvement in mortality could simply be related to the increased use of forceps delivery associated with epidural block. A controlled trial of epidural block is therefore indicated in the management of the premature fetus. In babies over 2-5 kg, or, those who were immature, epidural block was not associated with a reduction or increase in perinatal mortality.
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Three currently available condenser humidifiers were studied to assess their ability to conserve water loss and to measure the resistance imposed by the apparatus. The value and possible effectiveness of these devices in clinical practice is discussed.
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Biography Historical Article
Stanislav Klikovich (1853-1910). Pioneer of nitrous oxide and oxygen analgesia.
The career and work of Stanislav Klikovich (1853-1910) has been reviewed. He was born in Russian occupied Poland and was a pioneer of the use of analgesic concentrations of nitrous oxide in oxygen for many painful conditions including childbirth. He based his clinical work on sound research and animal and human experimentation and recognised that the analgesic state was distinct from anaesthesia.
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Fifty healthy mothers, with normal placental function, were anaesthetised with ketamine for Caesarean section. Anaesthesia was maintained with nitrous oxide, oxygen, muscle relaxants and controlled ventilation. Surgery was conducted in the lateral tilt position. ⋯ Unpleasant dreams were reported in 5 instances. In this study ketamine appeared to be unassociated with significant biochemical asphyxia, but may have been responsible for some element of drug induced neonatal depression. In view of our own experience and that of other workers, it is suggested that ketamine induction for Caesarean section should be re-evaluated using a lower dose of the drug.