Seizures after epidural blood patch with undiagnosed subdural hematoma.

OBJECTIVE: We present a case of new-onset seizures in a parturient who received an epidural blood patch (EBP) in the presence of an undiagnosed cerebral subdural hematoma. We review the relevant literature and examine the implications for management. CASE REPORT: A 33-year-old parturient developed symptoms of postdural puncture headache 16 hours after initiation of epidural analgesia for labor. On the third postpartum day, she likely had an unwitnessed and unrecognized seizure. Presenting to hospital with headache and fatigue, she received an EBP. Forty-five minutes after the EBP, she had a generalized seizure followed by another 2 hours later. Imaging revealed a small cranial subdural hematoma. She had no further seizures, her headache improved, and she was discharged home on postpartum day 5. CONCLUSIONS: We believe that the subdural hematoma and not the EBP was the cause of the seizures. Earlier recognition of confusion and fatigue as a postictal state may have led to earlier diagnosis of the hematoma. Our experience suggests that EBP be avoided in the setting of subdural hematoma.

Treatment of acute Achilles tendon ruptures: a systematic overview and metaanalysis.

A quantitative systematic review of randomized and quasirandomized trials was conducted to determine the effect of surgical versus conservative treatment of acute Achilles tendon ruptures on rates of rerupture. Secondary outcomes included deep infection rates, return to normal function, and minor complaints. A search of computerized databases was conducted to locate clinical studies published from 1969 to 2000. Additional studies were located through hand searches of major orthopaedic journals, bibliographies of major orthopaedic texts, and personal files. Of the 273 citations initially identified, 11 proved potentially eligible, and six met all eligibility criteria. Three investigators independently graded study quality and abstracted relevant data. Among the studies, surgical repair revealed a significant reduction in the risk of rerupture when compared with conservative treatment. Alternatively, the risk of infection with surgical repair was significantly increased. Pooled analysis of studies did not reveal any difference in the risk of minor complaints or return to normal function between surgical repair and conservatively treated groups. Surgical treatment significantly reduces the risk of Achilles tendon rerupture, but increases the risk of infection, when compared with conservative therapy. Wide confidence intervals around the estimates of risk reduction suggest a large trial is needed to establish risks and benefits.