Utilização da fenilefrina para controle da pressão arterial em cesarianas eletivas: dose terapêutica versus profilática / Utilización de la fenilefrina para el control de la presión arterial en cesáreas electivas: dosis terapéutica versus profiláctica / Phenylephrine for blood pressure control in elective cesarean section: therapeutic versus prophylactic doses

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: A anestesia raquídea é utilizada com frequência em casos de cesariana e se algumas medidas profiláticas não forem adotadas a incidência de hipotensão arterial é superior a 80 por cento. O objetivo deste estudo foi comparar a eficácia da fenilefrina quando administrada terapêutica ou profilaticamente para a manutenção da pressão arterial em pacientes submetidas à anestesia raquídea para cesarianas eletivas. MÉTODO: Foram estudadas 120 gestantes submetidas a cesarianas eletivas sob anestesia raquídea, alocadas aleatoriamente em três grupos iguais, conforme o regime de administração de fenilefrina. No Grupo 1, administrou-se fenilefrina em infusão contínua, em bomba de infusão, na dose de 0,15 µg.Kg-1.min-1 após a anestesia raquídea. No Grupo 2, foi administrada fenilefrina em dose única, de forma profilática, na dose de 50 µg após a anestesia raquídea e, no Grupo 3, fenilefrina em dose única de 50 µg em caso de hipotensão arterial definida como queda da PAS e/ou PAD de até 20 por cento em relação à média dos valores basais. Avaliou-se a incidência de hipotensão arterial, náuseas, vômitos e do índice de Apgar. RESULTADOS: A incidência de hipotensão arterial foi significativamente maior no Grupo 3, ocorrendo em 85 por cento das gestantes. Nos Grupos 1 e 2, ocorreu em 17,5 por cento e 32,5 por cento dos casos, respectivamente (p < 0,001). A incidência de náuseas foi bem superior no Grupo 3, ocorrendo em 40 por cento das pacientes, enquanto nos Grupos 1 e 2 a incidência foi de 10 por cento e 15 por cento, respectivamente, apresentando significância estatística. CONCLUSÕES: De acordo com a metodologia empregada, o estudo mostra que a infusão contínua profilática de fenilefrina iniciada imediatamente após a realização da anestesia raquídea para cesariana é mais efetiva para reduzir a incidência de hipotensão arterial e os efeitos colaterais maternos e fetais.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Spinal block is commonly used in cesarean sections and, if some prophylactic measures are not taken, the incidence of hypotension is higher than 80 percent. The objective of this study was to compare the efficacy of the administration of therapeutic or prophylactic doses of phenylephrine to maintain blood pressure in patients undergoing spinal block for elective cesarean section. METHODS: One hundred and twenty gravidas undergoing elective cesarean sections under spinal block, randomly divided in three equal groups according to the regimen of phenylephrine administered, were included in this study. In Group 1, continuous infusion of phenylephrine, using an infusion pump at 0.15 µg.kg-1.min-1 was administered after the spinal block. In Group 2, a single dose of prophylactic phenylephrine 50 µg was administered after the spinal block, and Group 3 received a single dose of phenylephrine 50 µg in case of hypotension, which was defined as a drop in SBP and/or DBP of up to 20 percent of baseline levels. The incidence of hypotension, nausea, and vomiting as well as the Apgar score were evaluated. RESULTS: The incidence of hypotension was significantly greater in Group 3, affecting 85 percent of the gravidas. In Groups 1 and 2 hypotension was seen in 17.5 percent and 32.5 percent of the cases respectively (p < 0.001). The incidence of nausea was much higher in Group 3 affecting 40 percent of the patients while in Groups 1 and 2 it was 10 percent and 15 percent respectively which was statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: According to the methodology used, this study showed that prophylactic continuous infusion of phenylephrine initiated immediately after the spinal block for cesarean section is more effective in reducing the incidence of hypotension and maternal and fetal side effects.

JUSTIFICATIVA Y OBJETIVOS: La raquianestesia se usa a menudo en casos de cesárea y si algunas medidas profilácticas no se adoptan, la incidencia de hipotensión arterial es superior al 80 por ciento. El objetivo de este estudio fue comparar la eficacia de la fenilefrina cuando se administra terapéutica o profilácticamente para el mantenimiento de la presión arterial en pacientes sometidas a la raquianestesia para cesáreas electivas. MÉTODO: Se estudiaron 120 gestantes sometidas a cesáreas electivas bajo raquianestesia, ubicadas aleatoriamente en tres grupos iguales, conforme al régimen de administración de fenilefrina. En el Grupo 1, se administró fenilefrina en infusión continua, con bomba de infusión en dosis de 0,15 µg.Kg-1.min-1 después de la raquianestesia. En el Grupo 2, fue administrada fenilefrina en dosis única, de forma profiláctica, en dosis de 50 µg después de la raquianestesia, y en el Grupo 3, fenilefrina en dosis única de 50 µg en el caso de hipotensión arterial definida como una caída de la PAS y/o PAD en hasta un 20 por ciento con relación al promedio de los valores basales. Se evaluó la incidencia de hipotensión arterial, náuseas, vómitos y el índice de Apgar. RESULTADOS: La incidencia de hipotensión arterial fue significativamente más elevada en el Grupo 3, acaeciendo en un 85 por ciento de las embarazadas. En los Grupos 1 y 2, ocurrió en un 17,5 por ciento y 32,5 por ciento de los casos respectivamente (p < 0,001). La incidencia de náuseas fue bastante superior en el Grupo 3 en un 40 por ciento de las pacientes, mientras que en los Grupos 1 y 2 la incidencia fue de un 10 por ciento y un 15 por ciento respectivamente, presentando significancia estadística. CONCLUSIONES: A tono con la metodología utilizada, el estudio muestra que la infusión continua profiláctica de fenilefrina iniciada inmediatamente después de la realización de la raquianestesia para cesárea, es más efectiva en la reducción de la incidencia de hipotensión ...

Dose de bupivacaína subaracnóidea necessária para cesariana é semelhante em mulheres obesas e com peso normal / Las dosis de bupivacaína intratecal necesarias para cesáreas en mujeres obesas son similares a las usadas en mujeres con peso normal / Dose requirement of intrathecal bupivacaine for cesarean delivery is similar in obese and normal weight women

Justificativa e objetivos: Os efeitos do IMC na dispersão subaracnóidea de bupivacaína são controversos. O presente estudo avaliou a ED95 de bupivacaína subaracnóidea em cesarianas eletivas em mulheres obesas...

Background and objectives: The effect of BMI on the spread of intrathecal bupivacaine is controversial. This study assessed the ED95 of intrathecal bupivacaine for elective cesarean delivery in obese...

Justificativa y objetivos: Los efectos del IMC en la dispersión intratecal de bupivacaína son controvertidos. El presente estudio evaluó la ED95 de bupivacaína intratecal en cesáreas de elección en mujeres obesas...

Effects of pudendal nerve, epidural and subarachnoid block on coagulation of pregnant women / Efeitos do bloqueio pudendo, peridural e subaracnóideo sobre a coagulação sangüínea de gestantes / Efectos del bloqueo pudendo, peridural y subaracnoideo sobre la coagulación sanguínea de embarazadas

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: Tem sido atribuída à anestesia regional diminuição significativa das complicações tromboembólicas no pós-operatório, provavelmente por sua ação atenuadora sobre a resposta neuroendócrino-metabólica. As gestantes, que apresentam aumento importante da coagulabilidade sangüínea, podem, teoricamente, beneficiar-se desse efeito por ocasião do parto. O objetivo deste estudo foi verificar o efeito da anestesia regional sobre a coagulação sangüínea em gestantes. MÉTODO: Foram estudadas 30 pacientes no terceiro trimestre de gestação, sendo dez submetidas à anestesia peridural para cesariana, com 150 mg de bupivacaína a 0,5 por cento sem epinefrina e 2 mg de morfina (grupo PD); dez à anestesia subaracnóidea para cesariana com 15 mg de bupivacaína hiperbárica a 0,5 por cento e 0,2 mg de morfina (grupo SA); e dez a bloqueio de pudendo para parto vaginal, com doses de até 100 mg de bupivacaína a 0,5 por cento sem epinefrina (grupo BP). A coagulação sangüínea foi avaliada por meio de coagulograma (tempo de protrombina, tempo de trombina, tempo de tromboplastina parcial ativada) e de tromboelastograma (tempo r, tempo k, tempo r + k, ângulo alfa e amplitude máxima) nos seguintes momentos: antes e após a anestesia, após o nascimento do feto e 24 horas após a anestesia nos grupos PD e SA. No grupo BP a avaliação foi realizada antes da anestesia, após o nascimento do feto e 24 horas após a anestesia. RESULTADOS: Os resultados mostraram que nenhuma das técnicas anestésicas utilizadas teve influência na coagulação sangüínea das gestantes. Demonstraram, também, que durante o trabalho de parto tem início um processo de ativação da coagulação que é responsável pelas alterações encontradas nos três grupos estudados. CONCLUSÕES: Nas condições do presente estudo o bloqueio simpático e o anestésico local não influíram sobre a coagulação em gestantes de termo submetidas à anestesia peridural, subaracnóidea ou bloqueio pudendo.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The significant reduction in postoperative thromboembolic complications has been attributed to the use of regional block, probably due to attenuation of the neuroendocrine-metabolic response. Pregnant women, who demonstrate important hypercoagulability, can in theory benefit from this effect during labor. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of regional block on coagulation of pregnant women. METHODS: Thirty patients in the 3rd trimester were enrolled; ten patients underwent epidural block for cesarean section with 150 mg of 0.5 percent bupivacaine without epinephrine and 2 mg of morphine (PD group); ten underwent subarachnoid block for cesarean section with 15 mg of 0.5 percent hyperbaric bupivacaine and 0,2 mg of morphine (SA group); and ten, pudendal block for vaginal delivery with up to 100 mg of 0.5 percent bupivacaine without epinephrine (BP group). Coagulation tests (prothrombin time, thrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time) and thromboelastography (r-time, k-time, r+k-time, alpha-angle, maximum amplitude) were performed in the following moments: before and after the blockade, after delivery, and 24 hours after the blockade in PD and SA groups. In the BP group, the evaluation was done before the blockade, after delivery, and 24 hours after the blockade. RESULTS: The results indicate that the anesthetic technique did not influence coagulation of pregnant women. They also demonstrate that coagulation is activated during labor, which is responsible for the changes seen in all the study groups. CONCLUSIONS: In the conditions of the present study, the sympathetic blockade and the local anesthetic did not have any influence on the coagulation of pregnant women at term undergoing epidural, subarachnoid, or pudendal nerve block.

JUSTIFICATIVA Y OBJETIVOS: La ha sido atribuida a la anestesia regional la disminución significativa de las complicaciones trombo embolicas en el postoperatorio, probablemente por su acción atenuante sobre la respuesta neuroendocrina-metabólica. Las embarazadas, que presentan aumento importante de la coagulabilidad sanguínea, pueden teóricamente, beneficiarse con ese efecto en ocasión del parto. El objetivo de este estudio fue verificar el efecto de la anestesia regional sobre la coagulación sanguínea en embarazadas. MÉTODO: Se estudiaron 30 pacientes en el 3° trimestre de embarazo, siendo diez sometidas a la anestesia peridural para cesárea, con 150 mg de bupivacaína a 0,5 por ciento sin epinefrina y 2 mg de morfina (grupo PD); diez a la anestesia subaracnoidea para cesárea con 15 mg de bupivacaína hiperbárica a 0,5 por ciento y 0,2 mg de morfina (grupo SA); y diez a Bloqueo de pudendo para parto vaginal, con dosis de hasta 100 mg de bupivacaína a 0,5 por ciento sin epinefrina (grupo BP). La coagulación sanguínea se evaluó a través del coagulograma (tiempo de protrombina, tiempo de trombina, tiempo de tromboplastina parcial activada) y del tromboelastograma (tiempo r, tiempo k, tiempo r+k, ángulo alfa y amplitud máxima) en los siguientes momentos: antes y después de la anestesia, después del nacimiento del feto y 24 horas después de la anestesia en los grupos PD y SA. En el grupo BP la evaluación fue realizada antes de la anestesia, después del nacimiento del feto y 24 horas después de la anestesia. RESULTADOS: Los resultados mostraron que ninguna de las técnicas anestésicas utilizadas tuvo influencia en la coagulación sanguínea de las embarazadas. También quedó demostrado que durante el trabajo de parto se inicia un proceso de activación de la coagulación, que es responsable por las alteraciones encontradas en los tres grupos estudiados. CONCLUSIONES: En las condiciones del presente estudio el Bloqueo simpático y el anestésico local...

Comparison of Thiopental Sodium and Propofol as an Induction Agent in Propofol-N2O Anesthesia for Cesarean Sections / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: We compared thiopental sodium with propofol as induction agents under propofol-N2O anesthesia for cesarean sections. METHODS: We selected 68 pregnant women with a single fetus undergoing an elective cesarean section under general anesthesia and randomly allocated them to the thiopental sodium group (group N) or the propofol group (group P). Without premedication, thiopental sodium 5 mg/kg and succinylcholine 1 mg/kg were injected for induction in group N, and propofol 2 mg/kg and succinylcholine 1 mg/kg in group P. Propofol 10 mg/kg/hr was infused continuously with 50% N2O in both groups. We checked the blood pressure and the heart rate before and after injection. We analysed blood gas of maternal artery, umbilical artery, and umbilical vein at delivery and checked Apgar scores at 1 minute and 5 minutes after delivery. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in blood pressure, heart rate and Apgar scores between groups. Oxygen partial pressure (35.6 +/- 5.8 mmHg) and oxygen saturation (66.2 +/- 12.0%) of the umbilical vein in group P was higher than in group N (32.7 +/- 4.9 mmHg, 58.7 +/- 11.5%). Carbon dioxide partial pressure and pH did not differ between groups. CONCLUSIONS: There was no beneficial effect of thiopental sodium compared with propofol as an induction agent under propofol anesthesia. Propofol is a useful drug for cesarean sections.

Comparison of the Effects of Induction before and after Surgical Preparation on Neonatal Well-being in General Anesthesia for Elective Cesarean Section / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: Generally, in order to decrease the fetal exposure time from anesthetic drugs, anesthetic induction is conducted after the completion of surgical preparation in general anesthesia for cesarean section. However, this method, in decreasing the fetal exposure time from anesthetic drugs, has been regarded as also aggravating the feeling of anxiety and fear of the patients. The purpose of this research is to compare the result of anesthetic induction conducted before and after surgical preparation in relation to the well-being of the newborn. METHODS: Fifty healthy women scheduled for elective cesarean section, not in labor, with no signs of fetal distress were randomly divided into 2 groups. Group A (n = 25) started anesthetic induction after surgical preparation and group B (n = 25) started before surgical preparation. Induction to delivery (I-D) interval and uterine incision to delivery (U-D) interval were measured and for the evaluation of the neonatal outcome, blood gas analysis at umbilical vein and artery, 1 and 5 min Apgar scores, and neurobehavioral test at 15 min, 2 hr and 24 hr of age, respectively, were performed. RESULTS: There was a significant difference in the I-D interval (P < 0.05) but no significant difference in the U-D interval between the two groups. Blood gas analysis, acid-base status, Apgar score and neurologic and adaptive capacity score (NACS) all did not differ significantly between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: From our results, the induction before surgical preparation did not seem to affect neonatal well-being significantly. Therefore, when patients without fetal distress are very anxious, anesthetic induction before surgical preparation would reduce the patient's anxiety and fear without neonatal depression in general anesthesia for cesarean section.

Effect of Speed of Injection on the Level of Spinal Anesthesia with 0.5% Hyperbaric Bupivacaine for a Cesarean Section / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to determine whether the injection rate affects the spread of spinal anesthesia in cesarean sections. METHODS: Spinal anesthesia was performed on 45 parturients in a cesaren section. Dural puncture was performed in the sitting position with a 27-gauge Whitacre needle. All patients received a mixture of 10 mg hyperbaric bupivacaine and 15 microgram fentanyl. Twenty five (Group I) patients received rapid injections (about 0.2-0.3 ml/sec) and twenty (Group II) received slow injections (about 0.1 ml/sec). Anesthetic levels, time to T4 sensory block, maximal height sensory block and incidence of hypotension were measured. RESULTS: There was significantly rapid T4 sensory block in group I but no differences in maximal height of sensory block and incidence of hypotension between the two groups. CONCLSIONS: We conclude that injection rate (about 0.1-0.3 ml/sec) has a statistically insignificant influence on the maximal height sensory block and incidence of hypotension.

Effects of Opioids on the Contractility of Isolated Human Pregnant Uterine Muscle / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: Effects of fentanyl, sufentanil, meperidine, and morphine on the spontaneous contractility of isolated human pregnant uterine muscle strips were determined. METHODS: Uterine specimens were obtained from normal full-term parturients undergoing elective lower-segment cesarean section. Longitudinal muscle strips were made and mounted individually and vertically in tissue chambers to record their isometric tension. After establishment of rhythmic contractions in the buffer solution, opioid concentration-response curves were constructed. The responses to opioids were repeated in the presence of opioid receptor blocker, nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, beta-adrenoceptor blocker, or cyclo-oxygenase inhibitor. RESULTS: Fentanyl and meperidine caused concentration-dependent decreases of the uterine contractility, their IC50 (concentration which causes 50% inhibition of the amplitude of spontaneous contractions) being 6.8 x 10(-6) M and 2.2 x 10(-3) M, respectively. On the contrary, sufentanil and morphine were without significant effects on the contractility. Pretreatment with either naloxone, N(G)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester, atenolol, or indomethacin did not affect the uterine responses to opioids. CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrate that fentanyl and meperidine may have direct inhibitory effects on the contractility of the human uterus. However, the opioid concentrations needed to significantly reduce the uterine contractility were at a supraclinical range.

Cardiac Arrest Due to Unrecognized Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia / 대한마취과학회지

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation is frequently required for severely depressed congenital diaphragmatic hernia patients. If the exact condition of the patient is not diagnosed prior to delivery, fatal complications such as tension pneumothorax occur often during the resuscitation process. In this case we report the difficulties in diagnosing congenital diaphragmatic hernia and the unusual responses and complications during cardiopulmonary resuscitation. We should know the various methods of management developed over the recent 10 years for these highly stressed patients.

Evaluation of Predictive Factors for the Difficult Intubation in Pregnant Women / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: Difficult tracheal intubation during anesthetic induction can be a lifethreatening situation, especially in pregnant women. This is the leading cause of anesthetic related maternal mortality. The ability to predict such cases preoperatively would be of great value. We conducted a prospective study to investigate the incidence of difficult intubation and the usefulness of various predictive factors for difficult intubation in pregnant women. Metoods: Predictive studies on three hundred nine pregnant women who underwent general anesthesia and tracheal intubation for an elective caesarean section were conducted using airway measurements such as a modified Mallampati classification (m-MP), interincisor gap (IG), thyromental distance (TMD), and sternomental distance (SMD). Then direct laryngoscopic gradings (LG) and difficult intubation (DI) were determined. All patients were evaluated on the basis of these studies, and the sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values (PPV, NPV) of each study were calculated. RESULTS: DI was observed in 5 patients (1.62%) and failed intubtion was observed in 1 patient (0.32%). The sensitivity and specificity of the m-MP were 80% and 82% respectively, and those of the IG were 80% and 77% respectively. A combination of the m-MP and IG resulted in high sensitivity and specificity (100% and 76% respectively), but low PPV (5%). CONCLUSIONS: This study concluded that m-MP and IG were the most sensitive and specific tests when used alone or in combination.

Epidural Anesthesia for Cesarean Section in a Parturient with Eisenmenger's Syndrome / 대한마취과학회지

Eisenmenger's syndrome is defined as pulmonary hypertension with right-to-left or bidirectional shunting of blood through an intracardiac or aorto-pulmonary commumication. It can occur with complex congenital cardiac malformations, such as septal defect and patent ductus arteriosus. Parturients with Eisenmenger's syndrome are at high risk for peripartum morbidity and mortality. We experienced a case of parturient for cesarean section with Eisenmenger's syndrome and performed epidural anesthesia with fractionated doses of 2% lidocaine and fentanyl. The sensory block reached to T10 level and blood pressure was maintained with intravenous phenylephrine. After baby out, sudden hypotension with severe bradycardia developed and arterial oxygen saturation dropped. Immediate intubation and resuscitation was done, but cardiac rhythm disturbance, hypoxemia, and acidosis did not corrected. Cardiac standstill developed and stopped resuscitation. The neonate's Apgar score was 7 and he was transferred to pediatric ICU.

The Effect of Three Different Doses of Intravenous Oxytocin on Patients Undergoing Elective Cesarean Section / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: Oxytocin is used for uterine contraction after delivery in cesarean sections. Doses of oxytocin vary widely, ranging from 5 20 IU by slow IV infusion. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of three different doses of oxytocin (5, 15, 25 IU) during elective cesarean section. METHODS: Thirty patients (ASA 1 and 2) undergoing elective repeated cesarean section were assigned to one of three groups. Group I received 5 IU, group II 15 IU, and Group III 25 IU of oxytocin after clamping of the umbilical cord. Linear analog scale (LAS) of 0 to 10 assessed by the surgeon for degree of uterine contraction was used at 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 min after delivery. Blood pressure (BP) and pulse rate (PR) of the patients, volume of blood mixed with amniotic fluid in suction jars (Vol in S.J.), weight of all gauzes soaked with blood (Wt of gauzes), difference in pre- and postoperative hematocrit (Change in Hct), induction to delivery (I-D) and delivery to closure of uterus (D-C) interval were also recorded. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in the degree of uterus contraction, BP and PR of the patients, Vol in S.J., Wt of gauzes, Change in Hct, I-D and D-C interval, in the three groups. CONCLUSIONS: Five IU of oxytocin is as effective as more doses in healthy parturients undergoing elective cesarean section with general anesthesia.

The Application of Total Intravenous Anesthesia & Propofol-N2O Anesthesia for Cesarean Section / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: According to the increasing rate of cesarean section, the efforts of seeking safer and more satisfactory obstetric anesthesia techniques have been continued. Propofol, 2,6 di-isopropyl phenol, is a relatively new intravenous anesthetic agent and has been used for induction and maintenance for total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA). Authors examined the anesthetic technique using following anesthetics combinations; N2O-propofol, fentanyl-propofol, ketamine-propofol and made comparison of these ones for intraoperative hemodynamic stability, maternal and fetal safety. METHODS: Sixty patients (ASA physical status 1 or 2) scheduled for cesarean section were randomly allocated into three groups, group N (propofol-N2O, n=20), group F (propofol-fentanyl, n=20), group K (propofol-ketamine, n=20). We checked the changes of blood pressure and heart rates during operation, anesthetic induction time, neonatal status (Apgar score, umbilical vein blood gas analysis), presence of intraoperative awareness and recovery time. RESULTS: No significant differences in intraoperative hemodynamic changes, induction time and baby status. Total propofol dosages were greater in group N than group K (p<0.05) and maternal recovery time was prolonged in group K than group N or F (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Anesthetic management using propofol-N2O or propofol-fentanyl or propofol-ketamine for cesarean section would provide satisfactory anesthesia without significant adverse effects to both mother and fetus.

Preload with Ringer's Lactate Solution for Elective Cesarean Section : Effect on the Epidural Anesthesia Induced Hypotension / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: Hypotension associated with epidural anesthesia for cesarean section is common and serious, despite the use of uterine displacement and volume preload. This study evaluated the role of crystalloid volume preload for prevention of hypotension during epidural anesthesia. METHODS: Forty parturients undergoing elective cesarean section were allocated randomly to receive either no preload (Group II, n=20) or preload with Ringer's lactate solution 1000 ml over 10-15 minutes (Group I, n=20) before epidural anesthesia. Hypotension was defined as a decrease of systolic blood pressure to less than 90 mmHg and to less than 80% of baseline value. Systolic blood pressure and heart rate were measured 2 minutes interval during first 20 minutes after epidural injection. Apgar score, umbilical venous, arterial and maternal arterial blood gas analysis were done. RESULTS: Significant hypotension occured in seven of the twenty parturients in no preload group (Group II) and seven of twenty parturients in Ringer's lactate preload group (Group I). There were no statistical differences in systolic blood pressure, heart rate, amount of used ephedrine, Apgar score, umbilical venous, arterial and maternal arterial blood gas analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Ringer's lactate preload (1000 ml) before epidural anesthesia in the supine tilted parturients did not decrease the incidence or severity of hypotension.

Anesthesia for Cesarean Section with HELLP Syndrome: A case report / 대한마취과학회지

Hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes and low platelets (HELLP) syndrome is a variant presentation of severe preeclampsia/eclampsia. A 24-year old woman presented herself at 34 wk of pregnancy. Based on the clinical and laboratory assessment, HELLP syndrome was diagnosed. Cesarean section was performed under general anesthesia without invasive monitoring due to stable blood pressure. The course of anesthesia and surgery was uneventful and she delivered female neonate weighing 1770 gram. After the operation, the patient was transferred to the intensive care unit immediately. During the intensive care bleeding started and signs of disseminated intravascular coagulopathy showed up. Any improvement was not made after transfusion and every other supportive therapy. By the request of guardian, she was transferred to tertiary hospital, where she died.

Spinal Anesthesia Using 0.5% Hyperbaric Bupivacine/Fentanyl Mixture for Cesarean Section / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: The last two decades have seen an increase in the incidence of cesarean section. Spinal anesthesia has been popular in cesarean delivery because of the ease and effectiveness, as well as the rapidity in estabilishing adequate levels of analgesia. The clinical effects of subarachnoid administeration of preservative-free fentanyl were assessed in 30 healthy women who underwent cesarean section with spinal anesthesia using 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine. METHODS: Sixty parturients were allocated to group I; bupivacaine (n=30) only and group II; bupivacaine/fentanyl mixture (n=30) in random order. The dose of bupivacaine varied from 9~10 mg depending on the patients height. Maximum level of sensory blockade, time to reach T4 level, incidence of hypotension, time to get complete motor recovery, perioperative analgesic effect and complications were evaluated. RESULTS: There were no differences in maximum level of analgesia, time to reach T4 level and to get complete motor recovery, and incidence of hypotension between two groups. However, duration of analgesia was longer in group II with the bupivacaine/fentanyl mixture (191.9 +/- 77.6 min) than in group I with the bupivacaine alone (74.2 +/- 30.8 min). Spinal anesthesia was excellent in 100% of the fentanyl mixture group but in 80% of the bupivacine only group. CONCLUSION: 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine mixed with 25 g fentanyl provided improved perioperative analgesia without affecting the onset of sensory blockade and duration of motor blockade.

Epidural Anesthesia for Cesarean Section in a Patient with Moyamoya Disease: A case report / 대한마취과학회지

We report a case of epidural anesthesia in a patient presenting for cesarean section with Moyamoya disease. Epidural anesthesia was performed using 0.5% bupivacaine and fentanyl 100 microgram. We used NIRS (near infrared spectroscopy) to monitor neurologic complication. A stable hemodynamic state was produced using left lateral uterine displacement, i.v. infusion of crystalloid solution and ephedrine. The patient had no neurological deficit and there was no significant intraoperative decrease in cerebral oxygenation measured by near infrared spectroscopy.

High Fever Due to Sulprostone after Cesarean Section: A case report / 대한마취과학회지

A 30-year-old female underwent emergency cesarean section with general anesthesia. In the past history, she has no specific problem. After delivery of fetus and placenta, there was continuous uterine bleeding due to uterine atony. Surgeon injected 1 mg of sulprostone (prostaglandin E2) into the uterine muscle and 1 mg of sulprostone was injected intravenously. One hour after sulprostone injection, high fever was detected. Sulprostone has been known to have side effects such as nausea, vomiting, uterine rupture, pulmonary edema and fever. Therefore, when we inject sulprostone into the uterine atonic bleeding patient, it is necessary to pay attention to fever for it's complication, in giving overdose.

Intravenous Nitroglycerin Administration for Manual Removal of Retained Placenta: A Case Report / 대한마취과학회지

Retained placenta around which the uterus firmly contracted occurs in about 1% of all vaginal deliveries and may require uterine muscle relaxation to facilitate manual extraction. It is associated with profuse hemorrhage and life threatening shock. Therefore anesthesiologist may face the difficulty to provide analgesia and rapid uterine relaxation. A 32-yr-old multigravida was transferred to the emergency room in hypovolemic shock state at 1 hour after vaginal delivery. Ketamine 30 mg, fentanyl 50 mcg were given intravenously for analgesia and sedation. Oxygen 6 L/min was supplied via face mask. With ongoing fluid resuscitation, nitroglycerin 500 mcg was injected as an intravenous bolus. Within 80 seconds, the uterus relaxed enough to extract the retained placenta. The recovery of uterine muscle tone occurred approximately 1 minute after manual removal with administration of intravenous methylergonovine. In summary, the use of intravenous nitroglycerin may be a useful and safe alternative to general anesthesia in cases of manual removal of retained placenta.

Wakefulness during Cesarean Section after General Anesthetic Induction until Delivery Tested by Isolated Forearm Technique / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: As undergoing general anesthesia for Cesarean Section, we usually maintain a light anesthesia until delivery. It provokes the high incidence of waketulness for the mothers. We surveyed the incidence of maternal wakefulness when thiopental was used as an induction agent. METHODS: Forty pregnant women (ASA class I or II) at term who underwent general anesthesia and cesarean section received thiopental, 4mg/kg. As the 'isolated forearm technique', a pressure cuff was inflated to isolate one arm from the the effects of succinylcholine so that wakefulness during anesthesia could be assessed by asking the patient to move her hand. To assess wakefulness,the patient was commanded to squeeze the investigator's hand a specified number of times. If the patient promptly squeezed the investigator's hand the appropriate number of times, the command was repeated but a different number of times specified. Only if the patient responded correctly both times, then we noted as a positive response. This test was repeated at 1 minute intervals beginning 1 minute after thiopental injection through the delivery. RESULTS: Five of the forty patients (12.5%) showed wakefulness. Twenty nine of the forty patients showed 'reaching movements'. One patient showed both wakefulness and 'reaching movements'. CONCLUSIONS: When we undergo general anesthesia for Cesarean Section, especially using thiopental as an induction agent, we should consider the maternal wakefulness seriously.

A Comparison of Propofol-Fentanyl and Propofol-Ketamine Anesthesia for Cesarean Section / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: The combination of ketamine and propofol, fentanyl and propofol has been used for anesthesia induction and total intravenous anesthesia. Advantages of using the combination have included hemodynamic stability intraoperatively and superior analgesia. METHODS: Forty patients (ASA physical status 1, 2) scheduled for cesarean section were randomized to either propofol-fentanyl (n=20) (P-F) or propofol-ketamine (n=20) (P-K) group. We checked to the cardiovascular effects of anesthetic induction, neonatal outcome, and maternal recovery time during cesarean section. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in systolic and mean arterial pressure in both groups. Diastolic arterial pressure was increased significantly in both groups at intubation, but degree of increase was less in P-F group. The Apgar scores of the newborn and blood gas analysis of umbilical vein were not significantly different in both groups. Maternal recovery from anesthesia was significantly quicker in P-F group. CONCLUSIONS: Propofol infusion coupled with fentanyl or ketamine would provide good anesthesia instead of inhalational anesthesia for cesarean section without significant adverse effects on both mother and fetus. However, recovery from anesthesia was faster and cardiovascular changes were less with P-F than P-K group.