Comparison between conventional-dose and high-dose rocuronium use in general anesthesia for Cesarean section.

Background: There have been few studies comparing the effects of high- and low-dose rocuronium during cesarean section by directly measuring the concentration. Therefore, we conducted a study to examine the blood concentrations and clinical effects of both doses of rocuronium on mothers and fetuses. Methods: Eighteen patients were randomly assigned to two groups: C Group (0.6 mg/kg), and H Group, (1.0 mg/kg). The primary outcome was the comparison of umbilical vein rocuronium concentration between two groups. We assessed ease of intubation, time from rocuronium administration to some TOF points, post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) stay time, infused remifentanil dose, maternal rocuronium concentration, and Apgar scores. Results: No differences were observed in demographic data, ease of intubation, PACU stay time, 1 min Apgar scores, umbilical venous blood gas analysis between both groups. However, the time from rocuronium administration to T3 disappearance was shorter (p=0.009) and time to T1 and T2 reappearance were longer (p=0.003, p=0.009) in H group than that in C group. The administered remifentanil dose (p=0.042) was lower in the H group than in the C group. Rocuronium concentrations in the umbilical vein (p=0.004) and maternal vein before cord clamping (p=0.002) and at discharge (p<0.001) were also found to be higher in the H group than in the C group. Conclusions: We observed no prolongation of PACU stay, and no differences in Apgar scores in H group compared to C group. It suggests that 1.0 mg/kg of rocuronium has no negative effects on the fetus and mother in cesarean section.

Non-pharmacological treatments for shivering post neuraxial anaesthesia for caesarean section: a scoping review.

BACKGROUND: Shivering occurs more frequently for women having caesarean section under neuraxial anaesthesia compared to other patient groups and causes an increase in pain and interrupts bonding with her newborn. AIM: This study aimed to report the evidence on non-pharmacological methods to treat shivering, defined as uncontrollable shaking, because of being cold, frightened, or excited, post neuraxial anaesthesia; the use of local anaesthesia inserted around the nerves of the central nervous system such as spinal anaesthesia and epidural in women having a caesarean section. METHODS: A scoping review was conducted using six electronic health databases that were searched with no restrictions placed on language, date, or study type. FINDINGS: Of the 1399 studies identified, following screenings only one study was deemed suitable for inclusion. The study, a randomised controlled trial, compared forced air warming blankets (intervention) with the usual care of warmed cotton blankets (control) and its impact on maternal and newborn outcomes. The only statistically significant difference found was the perceived thermal comfort of the mother. DISCUSSION: Non-pharmacological treatments for shivering are underrepresented in the literature; only one study identified where the impact of active warming was compared to warmed cotton blankets (usual care) for the measures of: oral temperature; degree of shivering; and thermal comfort pain scores. There was a decline in temperature in both groups at odds with some women reporting feeling too warm such that they asked for the active warmer to be turned down. CONCLUSION: Social engagement strategies are interventions that send a signal of safety to the nervous system leading to a sense of calm and wellbeing and have biological plausibility and warrant evaluation. Recommendations for further research: design a robust study to test the effectiveness of social engagement strategies on shivering for women having caesarean section under neuraxial anaesthesia.

Temperature changes of CoolSticks during simulated use.

INTRODUCTION: Cold sensation is often used to check neuraxial anaesthesia and analgesia. One opportunity to reduce the carbon footprint of anaesthesia is to replace vapo-coolant sprays such as ethyl chloride with a reusable device called the CoolStick, which is cooled in a refrigerator between uses. We designed a study to investigate how long the CoolStick remains at its working temperature, which we defined as <15 °C. METHOD: Experiments were undertaken using a thermocouple and digital temperature sensor attached to the CoolStick. We conducted two experiments to assess temperature changes following removal from the refrigerator for 10 min; the first investigated passive re-warming in the ambient theatre environment and the second investigated re-warming in simulated use. In our third experiment, we investigated the time taken to cool the device in the refrigerator, following use. Each experiment was repeated three times. RESULTS: In the passive re-warming experiment, the mean CoolStick temperature was 7.3 °C at the start, and 14.3 °C after 10 min. In the simulated use experiment, the mean CoolStick temperature was 7.3 °C at the start, and 18.9 °C at 10 min. In the cooling experiment, the mean CoolStick temperature was 15 °C at the start and 7.6 °C at 40 min. CONCLUSION: Our study indicates that it is feasible to use the CoolStick for providing cold sensation in clinical practice. Further study would be required to directly compare the effectiveness of the device to existing methods such as coolant sprays or ice in the clinical setting.

Factors influencing neonatal outcomes in twin pregnancies undergoing cesarean section: a cross-sectional study

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate maternal and fetal characteristics and factors affecting fetal outcomes in twin pregnancies delivered by cesarean section. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study in a tertiary care referral hospital. The primary outcome was to ascertain the effects of independent factors on the 1st and 5th minute APGAR scores, neonatal intensive care unit admissions, the need for mechanical ventilation, and neonatal mortality. RESULTS: A total of 453 pregnant women and 906 newborns were included in the analysis. The final logistic regression model revealed that early gestational weeks and neonates <3rd weight percentile at the time of delivery were the most significant predictors of all poor outcome parameters in at least one of the twins (p<0.05). General anesthesia for cesarean section was associated with 1st minute APGAR<7 and the need for mechanical ventilation, and emergency surgery was correlated with the need for mechanical ventilation (p<0.05) in at least one of the twins. CONCLUSION: General anesthesia, emergency surgery, early gestational weeks, and birth weight <3rd weight percentile were strongly associated with poor neonatal outcomes in at least one of the twins delivered by cesarean section.

Single low-dose ketamine infusion for women with prenatal depressive symptoms undergoing cesarean delivery: A pilot randomized trial.

Background: Ketamine is approved for antidepressant therapy, but evidence regarding its use in women with perinatal depression is lacking. Herein, we investigated the effects of low-dose ketamine in women with prenatal depressive symptoms and tested the feasibility of a future large randomized trial. Methods: This was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot trial. Sixty-six women with prenatal depressive symptoms who were scheduled for elective cesarean delivery were randomized to receive either low-dose ketamine (0.5 mg/kg) or placebo (normal saline). The study drugs were intravenously infused over a 40-minute period after clamping the umbilical cord. The primary outcome was depression score assessed with the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale at 48 h postpartum. Among other and safety outcomes, occurrence of nausea or vomiting was observed, pain intensity was assessed with the numeric rating scale. The feasibility of implementing the protocol was also evaluated. Results: A total of 64 parturients were included in the intention-to-treat analysis. The depression score at 48 h did not differ between groups: median 9 (interquartile range 6 to 13) with ketamine vs. 8 (6 to 10) with placebo; median difference 1, 95% CI -1 to 3; P = 0.608. The pain intensity at 4 h postpartum was less severe in the ketamine group (median difference -1, 95% CI -1 to 0, P = 0.002). Among safety outcomes, intraoperative nausea or vomiting was less common in patients given ketamine (0.0% [0/33] with ketamine vs. 21.2% [7/33] with placebo, P = 0.011). Recruitment was satisfactory and the protocol was acceptable to participants and clinicians. Conclusions: A single low-dose ketamine infusion did not decrease the depression score at 2 days, but reduced intraoperative nausea and vomiting and lowered pain intensity at 4 h after cesarean delivery among women with prenatal depressive symptoms. The study protocol is feasible for a large randomized trial. Clinical Trial Registration: The study was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (identifier: NCT03336541; 08/11/2017).

Erector spinae plane block for analgesia after cesarean delivery: a systematic review with meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Erector spinae plane block (ESPB) is a regional block that may be used for several surgeries. However, the evidence regarding obstetrical procedures is not pooled in the literature. OBJECTIVES: To assess whether ESPB improves the postoperative pain after cesarean section by a systematic review and meta-analysis. METHODS: The protocol of this review was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42020192760). We included randomized controlled trials from databases until August 2020. The primary outcome was pain measured on a visual analogic scale; secondary outcomes were analgesic duration, postoperative opioid dose within the 24 hours, nausea/vomiting. The risk of bias and the GRADE criteria to assess quality of evidence were analyzed. RESULTS: From 436 retrieved studies, three were selected. There was no difference in the pain scores between ESPB and controls at rest after surgery at 4 h (mean difference [MD] = 0.00; 95% CI: -0.72 to 0.72; I² = 0%; very low certainty), 12 h (MD = -1.00; 95% CI: -2.00 to -0.00; I² = 0%, low certainty) and 24 h (MD = -0.68; 95% CI: -1.56 to 0.20; I² = 50%; very low certainty). There was a smaller consumption of tramadol with ESPB compared with controls (MD = -47.66; 95% CI: -77.24 to -18.08; I² = 59%; very low certainty). The analgesic duration of ESPB was longer than the controls (MD = 6.97; 95% CI: 6.30 to 7.65; I² = 58%; very low certainty). CONCLUSION: ESPB did not decrease the postoperative pain scores when compared to other comparators. However, ESPB showed a lower consumption of tramadol and a longer blockade duration, although the quality of evidence of these outcomes were very low.

Anesthetic management of a parturient with Marfan syndrome scheduled for cesarean section: case report and review of literature / Manejo anestésico de una parturienta con síndrome de Marfan programada para cesárea: informe de un caso y revisión de la literatura

Abstract: Introduction: Marfan syndrome is an inherited disorder that affects connective tissue. Case: We report the anesthetic management of a parturient with Marfan syndrome scheduled for an elective C-section. Successful use of a combined spinal-epidural technique was used to provide neuraxial anesthesia; however, she presented an unfavorable evolution due to maternal sepsis. Likewise, a literature review of combined spinal-epidural anesthesia for C-sections in Marfan syndrome pregnant women was performed. Conclusion: Anesthetic management of parturients affected by Marfan syndrome during the cesarean section can be challenging. Strict blood pressure control during the intraoperative period has cornerstone importance. Likewise, neuraxial techniques have a significant percentage of failure in these patients.

Resumen: Introducción: El síndrome de Marfan es un desorden hereditario que afecta el tejido conectivo. Caso: Reportamos el manejo anestésico de una parturienta con síndrome de Marfan programada para una cesárea electiva. Para administrar anestesia neuroaxial se utilizó un bloqueo combinado espinal-epidural; sin embargo, la paciente presentó una evolución desfavorable debido a sepsis materna. Asimismo, se realizó una revisión de la literatura del uso de esta técnica anestésica para cesárea en gestantes con síndrome de Marfan. Conclusión: El manejo anestésico de parturientas afectadas por este síndrome puede ser complicado. El control estricto de la presión arterial durante el intraoperatorio tiene importancia fundamental. Además, las técnicas neuroaxiales tienen un porcentaje significativo de fallo en estas pacientes.

Randomized trial of transversus abdominis plane block with liposomal bupivacaine after cesarean delivery with or without intrathecal morphine.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To investigate efficacy and safety of liposomal bupivacaine (LB) transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block with or without intrathecal morphine (ITM) compared with ITM alone for postsurgical analgesia after cesarean delivery (CD). DESIGN: Multicenter, open-label, randomized trial (NCT03853694). SETTING: Operating room. PATIENTS: Women with term pregnancy of 37 to 42 weeks scheduled for elective CD under spinal anesthesia. INTERVENTION: Patients were randomized 1:1:1 to LB 266 mg TAP block alone (LB group), ITM 50 µg followed by LB 266 mg TAP block (LB + ITM group), or ITM 150 µg alone (ITM group). All groups received the same postsurgical multimodal analgesic regimen. MEASUREMENTS: The LB and LB + ITM groups were compared with the ITM group for all efficacy outcomes. Postsurgical opioid consumption in morphine milligram equivalents (MMEs) through 72 h was compared by assessing noninferiority before testing superiority. Postsurgical pruritus severity was assessed on an 11-point numerical rating scale. MAIN RESULTS: Between March 4, 2019, and January 10, 2020, 153 patients (LB, n = 52; LB + ITM, n = 48; ITM, n = 53) were enrolled. Baseline characteristics were comparable across groups. The LB group had statistically noninferior postsurgical opioid consumption through 72 h compared with the ITM group (least squares mean [LSM], 19.2 vs 16.4 MMEs; LSM treatment ratio, 1.17 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.74-1.86]; noninferiority P < 0.0034) as did the LB + ITM group (LSM, 14.6 vs 16.4 MMEs; LSM treatment ratio, 0.89 [95% CI, 0.55-1.44]; noninferiority P < 0.0001). The LB and LB + ITM groups had significantly reduced pruritus severity scores through 12, 24, 48, and 72 h compared with the ITM group (P ≤ 0.0121). Adverse events occurred in 58%, 85%, and 81% of the LB, LB + ITM, and ITM groups, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: LB TAP block with or without ITM resulted in statistically noninferior postsurgical opioid consumption through 72 h, reduced pruritus, and favorable safety compared with ITM in women undergoing CD.

Incidence and Effect of Intrathecal Fentanyl Use in Spinal Anesthesia for Cesarean Deliveries in the Community Setting: A Single-Center Observational Retrospective Study.

Background: The addition of intrathecal fentanyl to spinal anesthesia for cesarean delivery has been shown to be beneficial, but its rate of utilization in the community setting is unknown. The primary aim of our study was to determine the rate of intrathecal fentanyl use for cesarean deliveries with spinal anesthesia in a community hospital, and our secondary aim was to determine its effect on anesthetic outcomes. Methods: Patients who underwent cesarean delivery from June 1, 2017 to November 30, 2019 with spinal anesthesia as the initial anesthetic technique were included. Results: Seven hundred sixty-one cesarean deliveries met inclusion criteria, and 161 (21.2%) patients received intrathecal fentanyl in their spinal anesthetic for cesarean delivery. A multivariate model that controlled for patient weight and time from spinal placement to procedure end showed that patients who received intrathecal fentanyl were less likely to have conversion to general anesthesia or administration of systemic anesthetic adjuncts compared to patients who did not receive intrathecal fentanyl (odds ratio 2.889, 95% CI 1.552-5.903; P=0.0017). Conclusion: Only 1 in 5 patients received intrathecal fentanyl for cesarean deliveries performed under spinal anesthesia in a community hospital despite known benefits. Patients who did not receive intrathecal fentanyl had increased odds of conversion to general anesthesia or administration of systemic anesthetic adjunct administration, a finding consistent with previous studies. The addition of intrathecal fentanyl to spinal anesthesia for cesarean delivery should be strongly considered in the community setting.

An observational pilot study of a novel loss of resistance syringe for locating the epidural space.

BACKGROUND: The EpiFaith® syringe is a novel loss-of-resistance syringe that utilizes a spring-loaded plunger that automatically moves forward within the syringe when there is a loss of resistance. We evaluated the syringe in a clinical setting among a cohort of pregnant women receiving neuraxial labor analgesia. METHODS: In a non-randomized observational study, four anesthesiologists used the EpiFaith® syringe 10 times each while placing epidural catheters for labor analgesia. The anesthesiologists scored each placement on an 11-point Likert scale (-5 = absolutely worse, 0 = the same, and 5 = absolutely better than using their regular loss-of-resistance syringe technique). RESULTS: All 40 neuraxial placements correctly located the epidural space. Air was used in the syringe in 35 of the 40 cases. In 50%, 27.5% and 22.5% of cases the anesthesiologists reported that using the EpiFaith® syringe was better than, the same as, or worse than using their regular syringe, respectively. There were no inadvertent dural punctures. CONCLUSIONS: This feasibility study found that three of the four anesthesiologists scored the EpiFaith® syringe as better or the same as using their regular loss-of-resistance syringe. More extensive studies are required to determine if the EpiFaith® syringe reduces adverse outcomes such as unintentional dural punctures.

Eficacia de ketamina y meperidina para prevención de temblores en pacientes sometidas a cesárea bajo anestesia regional / Efficacy of ketamine and meperidine for the prevention of shivering in patients undergoing cesarean section under regional anesthesia

INTRODUCCION: en el postoperatorio de anestesia obstétrica, los temblores representan el 54%. Por lo cual, se pretende evitarlo en la sala de recuperación, usando medicamentos que regulen los temblores como ketamina y meperidina. OBJETIVOS: determinar la eficacia de la ketamina y meperidina para prevención de temblores en pacientes sometidas a cesárea bajo anestesia regional. METODOS: se realizó un ensayo clínico, simple ciego, aleatorizado y controlado. En el Hospital Obrero N° 2, Ingresaron en el estudio 40 pacientes cumpliendo criterios de inclusión, 20 pacientes por grupo. Las dosis usadas en el grupo Ketamina de 0.25 mg/kg y grupo meperidina de 0.1 mg/Kg. Se usó la escala de Crossley para determinar temblores, medición de temperatura periférica y efectos secundarios maternos y fetales. Para análisis estadístico se usó Chi x2 de Pearson. RESULTADOS: la edad media del estudio es 29,77±3,35 años; Tiempo quirúrgico media de 50 ± 8,8 minutos;Temperatura en quirófano más frecuente se encontraba entre 22° a 23° C; La temperatura periférica se encontró entre 36.6°C a 37.5 °C; en el grupo de meperidina se presentó más nauseas. No existen efectos secundarios en neonatos. CONCLUSIONES: Los temblores redujeron en los pacientes que recibieron ketamina mientras que en los que recibieron meperidina presentaron más nauseas como efecto secundario.

INTRODUCTION: The presence of shiviring in obstetric anesthesia in the postoperative period is up to 54%. Therefore, it is intended to avoid in the recovery room, using medications that regulate shiviring such as ketamine and meperidine. OBJECTIVES: to determine the efficacy of ketamine and meperidine for the prevention of shivering in patients undergoing cesarean section under regional anesthesia. METHODS: a single-blind, randomized, controlled clinical trial was conducted. In Hospital Obrero N ° 2, 40 patients enrolled in the study meeting inclusion criteria, 20 patients per group.The doses used in the Ketamine group of 0.25 mg / kg and meperidine group of 0.1 mg / Kg. The Crossley scale was used to determine shivering, peripheral temperature measurement and maternal and fetal side effects. For statistical analysis, Chi x2 from Pearson was used. RESULTS: the average age of the study is 29.77 ± 3.35 years; Average surgical time of 50 ± 8.8 minutes;Temperature in the most frequent operating room was between 22 ° to 23 ° C;The peripheral temperature was between 36.6 ºC to 37.5 ºC; in the meperidine group there was more nausea; No neonatal side effects. CONCLUSIONS: patients who received ketamine is better at preventing tremors while patients who received meperidine had more nausea as a side effect.

Transversus abdominis plane block and intrathecal morphine use in cesarean section: a retrospective review.

OBJECTIVES: Cesarean delivery is an extremely common surgical procedure practiced worldwide. It is an open abdominal surgery, and is associated with significant postoperative pain. One modality that helps alleviate this pain is the transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block. This analysis sought to evaluate postoperative pain when this block was used in conjunction with intrathecal morphine. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed of 142 patients who underwent cesarean section at our institution. Of those, 43 patients had a TAP block performed. The primary outcome for this analysis was the time to first opioid administration following discharge from the operating room. Secondary outcomes included differences in postoperative pain scores, and overall opioid consumption. RESULTS: The average time to first opioid use postoperatively decreased in the TAP group when compared with the No-TAP group, 23.3 versus 12.1, respectively (difference of 48.2% (95% CI 74.0% to 24.3%); p<0.001) and opioid consumption was significantly decreased within the first 24 hours following surgery from 4.55 intravenous morphine equivalents (IVME) to 2.67 IVME, respectively (difference of 107.1% (95% CI 145.1% to 69.2%); p=0.006). Visual analog pain scores were significantly decreased in the TAP group versus the No-TAP group up to 36 hours postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: TAP blocks performed in conjunction with intrathecal morphine may decrease opioid use in the first 24 hours and improve pain scores for at least 36 hours following cesarean section. Because of the favorable safety profile, TAP blocks may contribute meaningfully to multimodal anesthesia for cesarean sections.

Comparison of Ultrasound-Guided Transgluteal and Finger-Guided Transvaginal Pudendal Nerve Block Techniques: Which One is More Effective?

PURPOSE: Pudendal neuralgia (PN) is a painful and disabling condition, which reduces the quality of life as well. Pudendal nerve infiltrations are essential for the diagnosis and the management of PN. The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of finger-guided transvaginal pudendal nerve infiltration (TV-PNI) technique and the ultrasound-guided transgluteal pudendal nerve infiltration (TG-PNI) technique. METHODS: Forty patients who underwent PNI for the diagnosis of PN were evaluated. Thirty-five of these 40 patients, who were diagnosed as PN, underwent a total of 70 further unilateral PNI. All the patients underwent PNI for twice after the first diagnostic PNI, 1 week apart. RESULTS: In the ultrasound (US)-guided TG-PNI group, the success rate was 68.8% (11 of 16) in both "pain in the sitting position" and "pain in the region from the anus to the clitoris." The success rate of blocks in the US-guided TG-PNI group was 75% (12 of 16) in terms of pain during/after intercourse. In the finger-guided TV-PNI group, the success rate was 84.2% in both "pain in the sitting position" and "pain in the region from the anus to the clitoris." The success rate of blocks in the fingerguided TV-PNI group was 89.5% (17 of 19) in terms of pain during/after intercourse. There was no statistically significant difference in the success rate of the 3 assessed conditions between the 2 groups (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: The TV-PNI may be an alternative to US-guidance technique as a safe, simple, effective approach in pudendal nerve blocks.

Comparison of Ultrasound-Guided Transgluteal and Finger-Guided Transvaginal Pudendal Nerve Block Techniques: Which One is More Effective? / 대한배뇨장애요실금학회지

PURPOSE: Pudendal neuralgia (PN) is a painful and disabling condition, which reduces the quality of life as well. Pudendal nerve infiltrations are essential for the diagnosis and the management of PN. The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of finger-guided transvaginal pudendal nerve infiltration (TV-PNI) technique and the ultrasound-guided transgluteal pudendal nerve infiltration (TG-PNI) technique.METHODS: Forty patients who underwent PNI for the diagnosis of PN were evaluated. Thirty-five of these 40 patients, who were diagnosed as PN, underwent a total of 70 further unilateral PNI. All the patients underwent PNI for twice after the first diagnostic PNI, 1 week apart.RESULTS: In the ultrasound (US)-guided TG-PNI group, the success rate was 68.8% (11 of 16) in both “pain in the sitting position” and “pain in the region from the anus to the clitoris.” The success rate of blocks in the US-guided TG-PNI group was 75% (12 of 16) in terms of pain during/after intercourse. In the finger-guided TV-PNI group, the success rate was 84.2% in both “pain in the sitting position” and “pain in the region from the anus to the clitoris.” The success rate of blocks in the fingerguided TV-PNI group was 89.5% (17 of 19) in terms of pain during/after intercourse. There was no statistically significant difference in the success rate of the 3 assessed conditions between the 2 groups (P>0.05).CONCLUSIONS: The TV-PNI may be an alternative to US-guidance technique as a safe, simple, effective approach in pudendal nerve blocks.

Anesthesia for cesarean section after failed labor under combined spinal and epidural analgesia: analysis of 58 cases / 中华围产医学杂志

Objective To summarize the experience in anesthesia management for cesarean section(CS) after failed labor in women with combined spinal and epidural analgesia and to provide evidence for more effective and safer clinical practice.Methods We included 58 singleton pregnant women who received spinal and epidural analgesia during labor but converted to CS at Tongji Hospital,Tongji Medical College,Huazhong University of Science and Technology from October 2017 to October 2018.When CS was indicated,10 ml of 0.125％ ropivacaine was given through the epidural catheter immediately,and 5 ml of 1％ lidocaine was given when arriving at the operating room.Five minutes later,10 ml of 1％ ropivacaine was administered.General anesthesia would be required when epidural anesthesia was considered to be failed 10 min after the usage of ropivacaine.Clinical datas were retrospectively reviewed.The management and effects of anesthesia for CS,maternal and neonatal outcomes were described.Results Of the 58 patients when CS was indicated during labor,5.2％(3/58) received general anesthesia immediately.Among the other 94.8％ (55/58) who received epidural anesthesia,3.6％(2/55) converted to general anesthesia later.Adverse effects of epidural anesthesia included reduced mean artery pressure (8/53,15.1％),nausea and vomiting (3/53,5.7％).For the neonatal Apgar score at 1 min,one out of the 58 babies (1.7％) was between 0 and 3,ten (17.2％) between 4 and 7,and 47 (81.0％) between 8 and 10.The two babies (3.4％) with Apgar score between 4 and 7 at 5 min were both referred to the department of Neonatology,and the rest 56 neonates (96.6％) scored 8-10.Conclusions Spinal and epidural analgesia in labor can be safely and effectively adjusted to anesthesia for CS.

Effectiveness of acupuncture versus spinal-epidural anesthesia on labor pain: a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of acupuncture analgesia (AA) compared with combined spinal-epidural anesthesia (CSEA) for labor pain relief and labor outcomes. METHODS: We evaluated 131 primiparous women who received respiratory guidance during maternal uterine contractions and received either AA (n = 43), CSEA (n = 45), or no additional treatment (control, n = 43). The groups were compared regarding visual analog scale (VAS) scores for abdominal and back pain, and labor outcomes. RESULTS: The abdominal VAS scores of the AA and CSEA groups were significantly lower than that of the control group. In addition, the VAS scores of the CSEA group were significantly lower than that of the AA group at 10 and 60 min after intervention. The back pain VAS scores of the AA and CSEA groups were significantly lower than that of the control group at 5, 10, and 60 min after intervention. The duration of the active phase of labor in the CSEA group was significantly longer than that of the AA and control groups. The rates of oxytocin use (4.70%), urinary retention (4.70%), and postpartum hemorrhage [(273.7 ± 53.6) mL] in the AA group were significantly lower than in the CSEA group [46.70%, 24.20%, and (320.0 ± 85.6) mL, respectively]. CONCLUSION: Both AA and CSEA were effective for labor pain relief, CSEA provided more effective pain relief, while AA was associated with a shorter duration of labor and fewer adverse effects.and each has its advantages and disadvantages.

Síndrome de Horner tras analgesia epidural para el parto. Informe de 3 casos / Horner syndrome after epidural analgesia for labor. Report on three cases

Epidural analgesia is assumed to be the technique of choice for the relief of pain in labor. Multiple adverse neurological effects have been reported, one of which is the so-called Horner syndrome (ptosis, myosis, anhidrosis). Its evolution is usually benign and does not require specific management, except clinical monitoring for the more than probable cephalic spread of local anesthetic. Most of the cases that exist in the literature are isolated; in our work we present a series of 3 clinical cases and review the pathogenesis and management in the obstetric patient.

La analgesia epidural supone la técnica de elección para el alivio del dolor del parto. Se han descrito múltiples efectos adversos a nivel neurológico, uno de ellos es el llamado Síndrome de Horner (ptosis,miosis, anhidrosis), suele presentar evolución benigna y no requiere manejo especifico, salvo vigilancia clínica por la más que probable difusión cefálica del anestésico local. La mayor parte de los casos existentes en la literatura son aislados, en nuestro trabajo presentamos una serie de 3 casos clínico y repasamos su etiopatogenía y manejo en la paciente obstétrica.

Anesthetic Management of the Parturient for Lumbar Disc Surgery in the Prone Position.

BACKGROUND: While back pain is common in pregnancy, urgent surgical intervention is rarely required. CASE REPORT: A parturient in the third trimester presented with foot drop and sensory deficits. Surgical intervention was deemed necessary and was performed in the prone position to facilitate exposure. A multidisciplinary approach was vital to the management plan. CONCLUSION: For any pregnant patient undergoing nonobstetric surgery, the care provided should be individualized and thoughtful, keeping in mind both the mother and fetus.

Head Elevation in Spinal-Epidural Anesthesia Provides Improved Hemodynamics and Appropriate Sensory Block Height at Caesarean Section.

PURPOSE: We aimed to determine whether head elevation during combined spinal-epidural anesthesia (CSE) and Caesarean section provided improved hemodynamics and appropriate sensory block height. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-four parous women undergoing CSE for elective Caesarean section were randomly assigned to one of two groups: right lateral (group L) or right lateral and head elevated (group HE) position, for insertion of the block. Patients were positioned in the supine wedged position (group L) or the left lateral and head elevated position (group HE) until a block height of T5 to light touch was reached. Group HE was then turned to the supine wedged position with maintenance of head elevation until the end of surgery. Hemodynamics, including the incidence of hypotension, ephedrine dose required, and characteristics of the sensory blocks were analyzed. RESULTS: The incidence of hypotension (16 versus 7, p=0.0035) and the required dose of ephedrine [24 (0-40) versus 0 (0-20), p<0.0001] were greater in group L compared to group HE. In group L, the time to achieve maximal sensory block level (MSBL) was shorter (11.8±5.4 min versus 20.1±6.3 min, p<0.0001) and MSBL was also higher than in group HE [14 (T2) versus 12 (T4), p=0.0015]. CONCLUSION: Head elevation during CSE and Caesarean section is superior to positioning without head elevation in the lateral to supine position, as it is associated with a more gradual onset, appropriate block height, and improved hemodynamics.

Head Elevation in Spinal-Epidural Anesthesia Provides Improved Hemodynamics and Appropriate Sensory Block Height at Caesarean Section

PURPOSE: We aimed to determine whether head elevation during combined spinal-epidural anesthesia (CSE) and Caesarean section provided improved hemodynamics and appropriate sensory block height. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-four parous women undergoing CSE for elective Caesarean section were randomly assigned to one of two groups: right lateral (group L) or right lateral and head elevated (group HE) position, for insertion of the block. Patients were positioned in the supine wedged position (group L) or the left lateral and head elevated position (group HE) until a block height of T5 to light touch was reached. Group HE was then turned to the supine wedged position with maintenance of head elevation until the end of surgery. Hemodynamics, including the incidence of hypotension, ephedrine dose required, and characteristics of the sensory blocks were analyzed. RESULTS: The incidence of hypotension (16 versus 7, p=0.0035) and the required dose of ephedrine [24 (0-40) versus 0 (0-20), p<0.0001] were greater in group L compared to group HE. In group L, the time to achieve maximal sensory block level (MSBL) was shorter (11.8+/-5.4 min versus 20.1+/-6.3 min, p<0.0001) and MSBL was also higher than in group HE [14 (T2) versus 12 (T4), p=0.0015]. CONCLUSION: Head elevation during CSE and Caesarean section is superior to positioning without head elevation in the lateral to supine position, as it is associated with a more gradual onset, appropriate block height, and improved hemodynamics.