Search

Background The study purpose was to determine the safety and efficacy of different doses of epidural fentanyl plus local anesthetics on ambulation for patients who had elective cesarean delivery. Methods A prospective study at a single community hospital used posturography to compute Sway area for assessment of standing stability [ISRCTN14517337]. Continuous epidural infusion of 0.2% ropivacaine containing either 2.5 mcg.mL-1 (Group 1, n = 8) or 5 mcg.mL-1 fentanyl (Group 2, n = 8) was randomly assigned to an individual and started at a rate of 5 mL.h-1 postoperatively and continued for 48 hours after cesarean delivery in addition to standing acetaminophen and ibuprofen. Posturography measured with SYMPACK™ was used to compute Sway area for investigation of standing stability. The unpaired t-test was used to compare continuous variables between groups. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to assess differences of Sway area measured repeatedly within groups. Results Participants’ demographics, pain status, and leg motor function one day after cesarean delivery were not different between groups. Sway area in Group 1 was not different across three repeated measurements. Sway area of Group 2 on postoperative day 1, with epidural analgesia, was significantly higher than at the baseline (4.1 ± 2.8 vs. 3.1 ± 1.1 cm2, p Conclusions Because both low and high concentrations of epidural fentanyl allowed participants to ambulate with the same pain effect, the lower concentration of continuous epidural fentanyl (2.5 mcg.mL-1 at 5 mL.h-1) is warranted to avoid potential adverse events during ambulation after cesarean delivery.

Thai Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, 31, 3, 174-181

Background For emergent intrapartum cesarean delivery (CD), the literature does not support the use of any particular local anesthetic solution to extend epidural analgesia to cesarean anesthesia. We hypothesized that 3% chloroprocaine (CP) would be noninferior to a mixture of 2% lidocaine, 150 µg of epinephrine, 2 mL of 8.4% bicarbonate, and 100 µg of fentanyl (LEBF) in terms of onset time to surgical anesthesia. Methods In this single-center randomized noninferiority trial, adult healthy women undergoing CD were randomly assigned to epidural anesthesia with either CP or LEBF. Sensory blockade (pinprick) to T10 was established before operating room (OR) entry for elective CD. On arrival to the OR, participants received the epidural study medications in a standardized manner to simulate the conversion of "epidural labor analgesia to surgical anesthesia." The primary outcome was the time to loss of touch sensation at the T7 level. A noninferiority margin was set at 3 minutes. The secondary outcome was the need for intraoperative analgesia supplementation. Results In total, 70 women were enrolled in the study. The mean onset time to achieve a bilateral sensory block to touch at the T7 dermatome level was 655 (standard deviation [SD] = 258) seconds for group CP and 558 (269) seconds for group LEBF, a difference in means of 97 seconds (90% confidence interval [CI], SD = -10.6 to 204; P = .10 for noninferiority). The upper limit of the 90% CI for the mean difference exceeded the prespecified 3-minute noninferiority margin. There was no meaningful difference in the requirement for intraoperative analgesia between the 2 groups. Conclusion Both anesthetic solutions have a rapid onset of anesthesia when used to extend low-dose epidural sensory block to surgical anesthesia. Data from the current study provide insufficient evidence to confirm that CP is noninferior to LEBF for rapid epidural extension anesthesia for CD, and further research is required to determine noninferiority.

Background We aimed to evaluate the gastric volume and contents after an 8-h fasting period in full-term, non-laboring, pregnant women following a standardized meal. Methods In this prospective observational study, we included full-term pregnant women scheduled for elective cesarean delivery. The participants were instructed to fast after a standardized meal (apple juice, bread, and cheese). Participants were scanned in the semi-recumbent and right-lateral positions 8 h after the standardized meal. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients with gastric volume > 1.5 mL kg-1 calculated by two equations. Secondary outcomes included the antral cross-sectional area and gastric volume. Data are expressed as frequency (%, 95% confidence interval [CI]), mean ± standard deviation (95% CI of the mean), or median (quartiles) as appropriate. Results Forty-one women were available for the final analysis. For the primary outcome, one participant (2.4%, 95% CI of 0.06 to 12.8%) had gastric volume > 1.5 mL kg-1, and none had solids in the antrum. For the secondary outcomes, the mean (95% CI of the mean) of the antral cross-sectional area was 2.11 ± 0.72 (1.88 to 2.34) cm2 and 4.08 ± 1.80 (3.51 to 4.65) cm2 during the semi-recumbent and right-lateral position, respectively. The median (quartiles) gastric volume was 0.53 (0.32, 0.66) mL kg-1 and 0.33 (0.13, 0.52) mL kg-1 as estimated by Perlas et al. and Roukhomovsky et al. equations, respectively. Conclusion After 8-h fasting following a standardized meal, full-term pregnant non-laboring women are less likely to have a high residual gastric volume.

A nationwide shortage of oxytocin in Canada resulted in a temporary switch from oxytocin to carbetocin for all postpartum women at our institution. This change offered a unique opportunity to conduct a pragmatic comparative assessment of the efficacy of carbetocin and oxytocin.In a retrospective before-after study, we reviewed the medical records from 641 women in the carbetocin group and 752 women in the oxytocin group . The standard carbetocin dosing was 100 µg iv following vaginal and intrapartum Cesarean delivery, while for elective Cesarean delivery it was 50 µg, with an additional 50 µg if required. The standard oxytocin dosing was 5 IU iv followed by 2.4 IU·hrThe incidence of additional uterotonic use was not different between the carbetocin and oxytocin groups (12.0% vs 8.8%; P = 0.05; odds ratio, 1.39; 95% confidence interval, 0.97 to 2.00). The incidence of postpartum hemorrhage was higher in the carbetocin group than in the oxytocin group (10.3% vs 6.6%; P = 0.01). Blood transfusion was more common in the carbetocin group (1.4% vs 0.3%; P = 0.02).There was no difference in the use of additional uterotonics when carbetocin or oxytocin were used in a cohort of women undergoing vaginal deliveries and both elective and emergency Cesarean deliveries.RéSUMé: OBJECTIF: Une pénurie nationale d’ocytocine au Canada a entraîné l’utilisation temporaire de la carbétocine en remplacement de l’ocytocine pour toutes les femmes en post-partum dans notre établissement. Grâce à cette substitution, nous avons bénéficié d’une occasion unique de mener une évaluation comparative pragmatique de l’efficacité de la carbétocine et de l’ocytocine. MéTHODE: Dans une étude rétrospective avant-après, nous avons examiné les dossiers médicaux de 641 femmes dans le groupe carbétocine et de 752 femmes dans le groupe ocytocine. Le dosage standard de carbécotine était de 100 μg iv après un accouchement vaginal et pendant un accouchement par césarienne intrapartum, tandis que pour un accouchement par césarienne élective, le dosage était de 50 μg, avec 50 μg supplémentaires au besoin. Le dosage standard d’ocytocine était de 5 UI iv suivi de 2,4 UI·h

Preterm delivery represents the major cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality. Respiratory morbidity is the primary cause of early neonatal mortality and disability. The administration of antenatal corticosteroids, in cases of imminent preterm delivery, can enhance fetal lung maturation and reduce the incidence of respiratory distress syndrome, leading to improved neonatal outcomes. The scope of this narrative review was to synthesize available evidence on the efficacy and safety of corticosteroids' administration during antenatal period, in cases of anticipated preterm delivery. Hence, for those cases, a single course of antenatal corticosteroids from 24 up to 34 gestational weeks should be offered. Betamethasone and dexamethasone are the most widely used drugs, with similar effectiveness and a recommended dosage of 24mg in divided doses, over a 24- hour period. However, there is an ongoing debate regarding the gestational age of administration. Some obstetric societies recommend their administration even at 22 weeks of gestation. Conflicting is also their usefulness in late preterm cases (between 34 and 37 weeks) or in cases of elective cesarean delivery at term. The use of repeated courses of corticosteroids may be considered in specific cases, however, concerns on the long-term outcomes of repeated courses beyond 34 gestational weeks have been raised.

Background: Cesarean delivery is a frequently obstetric operation in Egypt with a recently reported over all cesarean section rate of 54% and it causes moderate to severe postoperative discomfort. Infiltration of the wound site is a method to improve postoperative analgesia. The aim of the work: To compare the pain relief effects of ketamine versus dexmedetomidine combined to bupivacaine in local wound infiltration in patients underwent cesarean section and to estimate side effects of medications. Patients and Methods: This randomized, controlled study including 90 women were subjected for elective cesarean delivery under general anesthesia and were divided at random into 3 equal groups to receive 40 ml bupivacaine (0.25%) + either 2 mg/kg ketamine in (group A), 2 μg/kg dexmedetomidine in (group B) or 2 ml saline in (group C) via local wound infiltration. The primary outcome was time of the first analgesia requested. The secondary outcomes were total dose of analgesia per 24 hours, Visual analogue scale, time of starting movement, breast-feeding, passing flatus or stool, start of eating and adverse effects of medications. Results: A significant increase in time of the first analgesic request in group A (8.4 ±1.91) h. and group B (7.5±1.81) h. than group C (4.3±1.24) h. A significant decrease in pethidine consumption in group A (59 ± 28.93 mg) than group B (72 ± 23.1 mg) and group C (102 ±16 mg). The visual analogue scale (VAS) was significantly lower (p

The objective of this study was to compare the impact of different modes of delivery, especially forceps delivery (FD), on pelvic floor muscles (PFMs) through vaginal surface electromyography (sEMG) in primiparous women at early (6–8 weeks) postpartum. A total of 1259 primiparous women with full-term singleton births were included in this cross-sectional study. Of these, 98 were delivered by forceps, 865 underwent spontaneous vaginal delivery (SD) and 296 underwent elective cesarean delivery (CD). Clinical demographic characteristics and vaginal sEMG variables of parturients 6–8 weeks after birth were collected and analyzed using SPSS software. One-way ANOVA with Bonferroni correction, Chi-square test or Student’s t-test was used according to the variable type. Spearman correlation and binary logistic regression analyses were also used. P/α ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Amplitude of fast and sustained contractions on sEMG in the FD group was significantly lower compared with the CD and SD groups. The sEMG amplitude of all contractions was significantly higher in the CD group compared with the FD and SD groups (P

Background: Cesarean section (CS) continues to be the surgical intervention most often performed in obstetrics, with a daily increasing frequency of use. The risk for all postpartum infections is increased in CS compared to vaginal delivery. Infectious complications developing in the aftermath of CS are one of the main causes of maternal morbidity. So, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of vaginal cleansing with Povidone Iodine solution before cesarean section on postoperative Endometritis Infection . Design: A quasi- experimental design was utilized in this study. Setting: This study was conducted at the operating room of Obstetrics and Gynecologic Department in Beni-Seuf University Hospital from the period of May 2019 until August 2019. The study Subjects included 200 pregnant women undergoing elective cesarean delivery, who were selected by purposive sampling technique. then divided into control and study group 100 per each group. The study group receive vaginal cleansing before cesarean section by antiseptic iodine solution 10% and standard abdominal scrub. Control group receive standard abdominal scrub only. Tools was used of data collection included; 1st tool: Structured interview questionnaire was designed by the researchers and included demographic characteristics and data related to the participants’ clinical profile 2nd tool: Postpartum follow-up checklist to assess presence or absence of the post CS infectious morbidity such as; endometritis (lower abdomen pain and a smelly vaginal discharge), febrile morbidity, and incisional site infection.3rd tool: Numericаl rating scale (NRЅ). Study results: Shows there was statistically significant difference regards fever and a smelly vaginal discharge among both groups, while there was no statistically significant difference was found regards wound infection and lower abdomen pain. Conclusion: Preoperative vaginal cleansing using antiseptic iodine solution 10% was an effective practice for reducing post cesarean endometritis where overall post cesarean infectious morbidity rate was lower among study group compared to control those exposed to routine care alone; supporting the study hypothesis. Recommendations: Physicians and Nurses should be used antiseptic povidone-Iodine 10% or vaginal cleaning as regular practice before cesarean deliveries. Apply vaginal preparation with anti septic solution before C.S operation for high risk group for infection as premature rupture of membranes, diabetes, and anemia.

Recently, a new handheld ultrasound-based device, called Accuro, has been commercialized with a real-time automated interpretation of lumbar ultrasound images. We hypothesized that the handheld ultrasound device would improve the efficacy and safety of combined spinal-epidural anesthesia (CSEA) for cesarean delivery in obese parturients. Eighty parturients with a body mass index > 30 kg∙m−2 scheduled for elective cesarean delivery were randomly allocated equally (palpation group and ultrasound group). The primary outcome was the first insertion success rate. Secondary outcomes were the time taken to identify the needle puncture site, duration of CSEA procedure, the total time, the rate of parturients who require needle redirections, the number of skin punctures, changes in the intended interspace, and the incidence of complications. Compared to the palpation group, the first insertion success rate was significantly higher (72.5% vs. 40.0%; P = 0.003), and time taken to identify the needle puncture site was less (30 [26–36] vs. 39 [32–49] seconds; P = 0.001) in the ultrasound group. The rate of parturients who required needle redirections (40.0% vs. 72.5%; P = 0.003) and the incidence of paresthesia were both lower (7.5% vs. 45.0%; P

Background Cesarean delivery is linked with lower rates of early breastfeeding initiation. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and associated factors of early initiation of breastfeeding among women admitted for elective cesarean delivery in Kelantan, Malaysia. Methods A total of 171 women admitted for elective cesarean delivery at two tertiary hospitals in Kelantan, Malaysia, participated in this study. On day two after cesarean delivery, face-to-face interviews were conducted with the mothers to get information on feeding practice. Descriptive statistics, including simple and multiple logistic regressions, were used for data analysis. Results Seventy-three percent of mothers initiated breastfeeding within 1 hour of birth. Approximately 15.8% and 10.5% of mothers initiated breastfeeding within 24 hours and ≥24 hours, respectively. Skin-to-skin contact between mothers and their infants occurred in 77.8% of cases after cesarean delivery. Breastfeeding initiation was significantly associated with skin-to-skin contact (odds ratio [OR], 14.42; 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.58-58.06), mothers who exclusively breastfed during hospitalization (OR, 36.37; 95% CI, 5.60-236.24), and infants who were not sleepy during attempts at breastfeeding (OR, 5.17; 95% CI, 1.32-20.21). Conclusion Based on our results, it is possible to increase the proportion of mothers initiating breastfeeding within 1 hour among women who undergo elective cesarean delivery. Therefore, it is important that health practitioners educate women beginning in the antenatal period who plan to undergo cesarean delivery by emphasizing the importance of early initiation of breastfeeding.

Background The present study sought to investigate the short-term effects of different delivery methods on postpartum pelvic floor function in Chinese primiparas. Methods Primiparous women who delivered a full-term, cephalic, singleton infant at our hospital between January 1, 2018 and August 15, 2019 were recruited into this study. All women underwent pelvic floor function screening at 6-8 weeks postpartum. Tests included postpartum Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification (POP-Q) score, incidence of urinary incontinence, pelvic floor muscle (PFM) strength, and Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory Questionnaire-Short Form 20 (PFDI-20) score. Results A total of 284 postpartum women were recruited into the study. Of the participants, 147 had undergone vaginal delivery, 37 had undergone intrapartum cesarean delivery (ICD), and 100 had undergone elective cesarean delivery (ECD). Points Aa, Ba, Ap, and Bp showed a greater degree of prolapse in the vaginal delivery group than in the ECD group (P≤0.05). UI was less prevalent in ECD group relative to the vaginal delivery group (P≤0.05). Tonic PFM contraction was weaker in the vaginal delivery group than in the ECD and ICD groups (P≤0.05). Significant differences were also observed between the vaginal delivery group and the ECD group with respect to PFDI-20 scores (P≤0.05). Conclusions Compared with vaginal delivery, ECD was strongly linked to a lower risk of pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and UI, stronger tonic PFM strength, and lower PFDI-20 scores. ECD confers relatively better protection against pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) than does ICD.

Background: Neonatal respiratory disorders, such as transient tachypnea of the newborn and respiratory distress syndrome, occur frequently after an elective cesarean delivery. Although conventional pulse oximetry is recommended for neonatal resuscitation, it often requires several minutes after birth to obtain a reliable signal. In a previous study, we used novel tissue oximetry equipment to detect fetal and neonatal early tissue oxygen saturation (StO2) before and immediately after vaginal delivery. Therefore, we hypothesized that low neonatal StO2 levels measured by tissue oximetry may lead to neonatal respiratory disorder after a scheduled cesarean delivery. Hence, this study aimed to evaluate the StO2 levels measured by tissue oximetry in neonates with or without a respiratory disorder subsequently diagnosed after an elective cesarean delivery. Materials and methods: We enrolled 78 pregnant Japanese women who underwent an elective cesarean section at ≥36 weeks' gestation. After combined spinal and epidural anesthesia were administered to the mother, fetal StO2 levels were measured by tissue oximetry using an examiner's finger-mounted sensor during a pelvic examination immediately before the cesarean section. We measured the neonatal StO2 levels at 1, 3, and 5 minutes after birth and retrospectively compared the fetal and neonatal StO2 levels with the incidence of subsequent diagnoses of neonatal respiratory disorders. Results: The data of StO2 levels in 35 neonates were collected. Seven neonates (respiratory disorder (RD) group) were subsequently diagnosed with respiratory disorders by neonatal medicine specialists, whereas the 28 remaining neonates (NR group) were not. The median fetal StO2 (interquartile range) of the RD and NR groups was 52.0% (41.8%-60.8%) and 42.5% (39.0%-52.5%), respectively (P = 0.12). The median neonatal StO2 (interquartile range) of the RD and NR groups at 1 minute after birth was 42.0% (39.0%-44.0%) and 46.0% (42.0%-49.0%), respectively (P = 0.091). At 3 minutes after birth, the median neonatal StO2 (interquartile range) of the RD and NR groups was 41.0% (39.0%-46.0%) and 47.0% (44.3%-53.5%), respectively (P = 0.004). Finally, at 5 minutes after birth, the median neonatal StO2 (interquartile range) of the RD and NR groups was 45.0% (44.0%-52.0%) and 54.0% (49.3%-57.0%), respectively (P = 0.007). Conclusions: The StO2 values in the RD group were lower than those in the NR group at 3 and 5 minutes after birth, suggesting that neonates with low StO2 levels soon after birth may be predisposed to clinically diagnosed neonatal respiratory disorders.

Background Hemodynamic instability during spinal anesthesia for cesarean delivery is associated with adverse maternal and fetal outcomes. Plain and hyperbaric bupivacaine are commonly used for cesarean delivery, however, their distinctive pharmacologic properties may affect maternal hemodynamic profiles differently. The aim of this study was to compare hemodynamic profiles using a suprasternal Doppler cardiac output (CO) monitor in healthy term parturients randomized to receive plain or hyperbaric bupivacaine for cesarean delivery. Methods One hundred-and-sixty-eight healthy parturients scheduled for elective cesarean delivery were randomly assigned to receive 10.9 mg of intrathecal 0.5% plain or hyperbaric bupivacaine, both with 0.2 mg morphine. The primary outcome was CO change after spinal anesthesia. Secondary outcomes were the incidence of hypotension, vasopressor use, and conversion to general anesthesia. Results The mean (±SD) CO at baseline, 1 min and 5 min after spinal anesthesia, and after placental delivery was 4.6 ± 1.2, 5.4 ± 1.3, 5.1 ± 1.4, and 6.4 ± 1.7 L/min in the plain bupivacaine, and 4.5 ± 1.1, 5.2 ± 1.3, 4.9 ± 1.3, and 6.2 ± 1.9 L/min in the hyperbaric bupivacaine group. There were no significant differences in CO, mean arterial pressure, or systemic vascular resistance. Incidences of hypotension, vasopressor and supplemental analgesic use, and conversion to general anesthesia, were not different between groups. Conclusions Cardiac output changes after plain or hyperbaric bupivacaine were not different in term parturients undergoing spinal anesthesia for cesarean delivery. Further studies comparing block quality and the rate of conversion to general anesthesia are required.

Cesarean delivery is one of the most common procedures performed worldwide. We conducted this prospective cohort study to evaluate the association between local anesthetic infiltration (LAI) pain prior to spinal anesthesia and pain and morphine consumption within 24 h after cesarean delivery (primary outcomes). A secondary objective was to assess the association between LAI pain and pain at one month postoperatively.Recruitment of 216 eligible women scheduled for elective cesarean delivery. Local infiltration before spinal anesthesia was performed using a 24-gauge needle and 3 mL 2% plain lidocaine. All subjects received 2.2 mL 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine with 200 µg morphine for spinal anesthesia. A 0-10 verbal numerical rating scale was used to assess LAI pain severity, and subsequent pain at 24 h, 1, 3 and 12 months.We found a moderate correlation between LAI pain intensity and severity of acute pain at rest (rho=0.56, P0.001) and with movement (rho=0.58, P0.001) and a weak correlation with morphine consumption (rho=0.17, P=0.01) within 24 h postoperatively. We also found a positive correlation between LAI pain and the severity of persistent wound pain at rest (rho=0.30, P0.001) and with movement (rho=0.52, P0.001) at 1 month. The incidence of wound pain at 1, 3 and 12 months postoperatively was 37.1%, 7.0% and 1.4%, respectively.Pain from LAI prior to spinal anesthesia is significantly associated with subsequent postoperative pain both acutely and at one month in women scheduled for elective cesarean delivery under spinal anesthesia.

The most frequent patients’ complaints of spinal anesthesia are post-spinal headache and post-spinal backache. As many as 13.4% of the patients have backache as the major reason for refusing spinal anesthesia. This systematic review was conducted using keywords: “post spinal backache,” “post spinal backpain,” “caesarean section,” “caesarean delivery,” and “obstetric,” which were combined using Boolean operator “OR” and “AND.” The time filter was set from 2000 until 2020. We included six studies that included a total of 2721 subjects who underwent elective cesarean delivery under spinal anesthesia, of which 675 subjects or about 24% of them experienced backache. Many factors were thought to be responsible for the incidence of post-spinal backache. Trauma due to needle injection, hematoma, and excessive stretching of ligaments until infection which leads to abscess are possibly being the main causes of post-spinal backache. There are several efforts that can be made to reduce the risk of post-spinal backache, such as using a small needle without an introducer, performing spinal anesthesia with a paramedian approach, and reducing the number of attempts.

Aim: Following cesarean section, wound complications develop in 3 to 30% of the patients. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of subcutaneous saline irrigation during caesarean section on postoperative surgical site complications. Methods: This prospective randomized controlled study was conducted between November 17, 2020 and December 16, 2020 at Medipol University, Private Nisa Hospital. A total of 230 women undergoing elective cesarean delivery were divided into 2 groups. The subcutaneous tissue was irrigated with saline solution in group 1 (n=115), and not irrigated in the control group (n=115). On the 7th postoperative day, the surgical site was evaluated for hematoma, seroma, wound dehiscence, and superficial surgical site infection. Results: The incidences of seroma (7% vs. 15.7%, P=0.013), hematoma (6.1% vs. 15.7%, P=0.024) and superficial surgical site infection (4.3% vs. 11.3%, P=0.035) were significantly lower in the saline irrigation group, while the groups were similar in terms of wound dehiscence (P=0.176). Conclusion: Saline irrigation of the subcutaneous tissue during cesarean section decreased the rates of seroma, hematoma, and superficial surgical site infections significantly.

Introduction: Ultrasound facilitates neuraxial puncture in obese parturients. Unfortunately, the widespread adoption of neuraxial ultrasound may be limited by the lack of technical expertise or the limited availability of the equipment. A wireless portable ultrasound device (Accuro, Rivanna Medical, Charlottesville, VA) with automated pattern recognition software (SpineNav3DTM technology) has been introduced to obtain the automated real-time identification of interspaces and epidural depth. The primary objective of this study was to assess the accuracy of the SpineNav3DTM ultrasound technology (Accuro) in estimating the epidural space depth compared to the standard ultrasound examination in pregnant obese patients. The secondary aim was to compare the ultrasound measurements with the measured needle depth during epidural and spinal insertion. Methods: The study was conducted at S Gerardo Hospital, Monza, Italy from March 2021 to April 2021. Obese laboring women requesting epidural analgesia or undergoing elective cesarean delivery under spinal anesthesia were recruited. All the subjects had their lumbar area scanned for the measurements of the depth of the epidural space by the SpineNav3DTM ultrasound technology and by the standard US and then both compared with the needle insertion depth in a double-blind fashion. Results: Forty-eight women were enrolled in the study. There was agreement (±0.25 cm) between the epidural depth (in cm) measured with the Accuro, versus the standard ultrasound. There was a significant difference between the mean depth of epidural space s measured by Accuro or Standard US and needle insertion depth (P Conclusions: The handheld ultrasound system with 3D spine navigation technology can automatically identify and measure the epidural depth with the same accuracy as the standard ultrasounds in obese pregnant women.

Background: Cesarean section (CS) is a risk factor for the development of neonatal respiratory complications, mostly respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) and transient tachypnea of the new-born, both in term and preterm infants. Infants born at term by elective cesarean delivery are more likely to develop respiratory morbidity than infants born vaginally. Objective: To assess the effect of prophylactic corticosteroid administration before elective cesarean section at term, as compared to usual management without corticosteroids, in reducing neonatal respiratory morbidity and admission to special care with respiratory complications. Patients and methods: This was a prospective study that was conducted on 200 women from the Out-Patient Clinic at Al-Hussein Hospital, Al-Azhar University from September 2018 to November 2019. Randomized controlled trials comparing prophylactic antenatal corticosteroid administration (dexamethasone) with placebo or with no treatment, given before elective cesarean section at term (at or after 37 weeks of gestation). Results: PG represented 60% of 1st group while represented 50% of 2nd group without significant difference between them. There was no significant difference between groups as regard co-morbidity. There was no significant difference between groups regard causes of CS, and the major causes were previous CS and placenta previa. There was no significant difference between groups as regard postpartum hemorrhage or maternal complication in general. APGAR1 was significantly higher among corticosteroid group. Overall respiratory complication was significantly lower among corticosteroid group, respiratory distress (RD), need of neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and mechanical ventilation and mortality were lower among the same group than control but not significantly. Conclusion: A single course of corticosteroids (four 6mg doses of dexamethasone administered intramuscular every 12 hours) should be considered for women undergoing planned cesarean at 37 or more weeks’ gestation.

INTRODUCTION: Though interest is growing for trials comparing planned delivery mode (vaginal delivery [VD]; cesarean section [CS]) in low-risk nulliparous women, appropriate study design is unclear. Our objective was to assess feasibility of three designs (preference trial [PCT], randomized controlled trial [RCT], partially randomized patient preference trial [PRPPT]) for a trial comparing planned delivery mode in low-risk women. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey of low-risk, nulliparous pregnant women (N=416) and healthcare providers (N=168) providing prenatal care and/or labor/delivery services was conducted in Argentina (2 public, 2 private hospitals). Proportion of pregnant women and providers willing to participate in each design and reasons for not participating were determined. RESULTS: Few women (85%). Believing randomization unacceptable (RCT, PRPPT) and desiring choice of delivery mode (RCT) were women’s reasons for not participating. For providers, commonly cited reasons for not participating included unacceptability of performing CS without medical indication, difficulty obtaining informed consent, discomfort enrolling patients (all designs), and violating women’s right to choose (RCT). CONCLUSIONS FOR PRACTICE: Important limitations were found for each trial design evaluated. The necessity of stronger evidence regarding delivery mode in low-risk women suggests consideration of additional designs, such as a rigorously designed cohort study or an RCT within an obstetric population with equivocal CS indications.

Background: Many additives have been used to improve spinal anesthesia; morphine and nalbuphine are commonly used drugs. Objective: This work aimed to compare intrathecal morphine and different doses of nalbuphine in elective cesarean section (CS). Patients and Methods: This double-blinded, randomized controlled study was done on 150 patients, American Society of Anesthesiologist (ASA) grade I to II undergoing elective CS. Patients underwent spinal anesthesia 3 ml with 10 mg hyperbaric bupivacaine 0.5 % with the addition of a 1 ml volume (morphine or nalbuphine) according to the group; Group M: 150 μg morphine, Group N1: 1 mg nalbuphine, and Group N2: 2 mg nalbuphine. Results: Intraoperative and postoperative hemodynamics, respiratory rate, SPO2 and Apgar score were insignificantly different in all groups. Postoperative VAS was significantly decreased in group M and was insignificantly different between group N1 and group N2. Postoperative BROMAGE was significantly higher in group M. Time of rescue analgesia was significantly increased in group M and was insignificantly different between group N1 and group N2. Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) was insignificantly different in all groups, and pruritus was significantly decreased in group N1. Conclusions: As additives to hyperbaric bupivacaine in the spinal block, morphine was superior to nalbuphine in decreasing VAS and increased time for rescue analgesia by prolonged sensory block. Increasing the dose of nalbuphine up to 2 mg did not increase the analgesic effect. Nalbuphine is superior to morphine in decreasing pruritus, and both drugs have similar effects on neonatal APGAR score and hemodynamics

Background: Hypotension during spinal anesthesia for caesarean delivery remains a common clinical problem. It has a risk factor for adverse maternal and fetal events. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of lower leg compression maneuver in reducing spinal anathesia induced hypotension for women undergoing cesarean Section. A Quasi-experimental designwas utilized in the current study.Setting: The study was conducted at cesarean delivery unit in Mansoura University Hospital during the period from October 2016 to March 2017.Asystematic random sample was calculated to be 220 of women underwent elective cesarean delivery with spinal anesthesia to be recruited in both study group and control group. Pre-hydration and anesthetic technique standardized protocol was followed. Hypotension defined as a decrease in any mean arterial pressure (MAP) measurement by more than 20% of the baseline. Tools:Three tools were used in the current study to collect the necessary data, Structured interviewing questionnaire sheet, maternal hemodynamic and signs of hypotension record, and neonatal assessment sheet. Results: A highly statistical significant difference was found between study group and control group regarding mean arterial pressure and neonatal acidosis .Conclusion: lower leg compression for women under elective cesarean with spinal anesthesia is more effective measure to reduce spinal anathesia induced hypotension during cesarean delivery. Recommendations: lower leg compression during cesarean delivery should be included in maternal hospitals protocol for reducing spinal induced hypotension during cesarean delivery.

Background: Morbidity attached placenta (MAP) remain a major surgical problem for obstetricians due to severe hemorrhage and its incidence had been continually increased due to increased rate of cesarean deliveries. Aim of the work: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of a conservative intervention for management of placenta accreta.Patients and methods: Forty-eight, pregnant females with a confirmed diagnosis of placenta previa accreta had been scheduled for elective cesarean delivery had been included. All females had been screened by full history taking, clinical examination, ultrasound and lab investigations. Blood loss, operative time, need for transfusion and need for other surgical interventions represented the main outcome and other complications were documented.RESULTS: The blood loss (ml) ranged between 850 to 1300 ml; the mean values were 1082.29±105.89 ml. The operative time ranged between 60 to 130 minutes; the mean values were 87.92±19.35 minutes. There was significant decrease of post-partum hemoglobin when compared to corresponding pre-partum values (9.29±0.76 vs 10.71±0.54 mg/dl respectively). Four patients [8.3%] need ICU admission, and nine patients [18.75%] need blood transfusion. However, no patients need further surgical intervention or developed DIC. In addition, no mortality had been reported in the current work. Conclusion: Combined uterine artery ligation, partial segmental myometrial resection and intrauterine balloon as a conservative treatment modality or placenta previa accreta is safe and effective

Background and objectives: Limited data are present on safety and efficiency of epinephrine for the prophylaxis and treatment of spinal-hypotension. This was conducted to compare the effect of epinephrine with norepinephrine and phenylephrine on the treatment of spinal-hypotension and ephedrine requirement during cesarean delivery. Methods: 160 parturient with uncomplicated pregnancies undergoing elective cesarean delivery under spinal anesthesia were recruited. They were allocated randomly to receive norepinephrine 5 μg.mL-1 (n = 40), epinephrine 5 μg.mL-1 (n = 40), phenylephrine 100 μg.mL-1 (n = 40) or 0.9% saline infusions (n = 40) immediately after induction of spinal anesthesia. Whenever systolic blood pressure drops to less than 80% of baseline, 5 mg of IV ephedrine was administered as rescue vasopressor. The incidence of hypotension, total number of hypotension episodes, the number of patients requiring ephedrine, the mean amount of ephedrine consumption and side effects were recorded. Results: There was no statistically significant difference in incidence of maternal hypotension between groups. The number of patients requiring ephedrine was significantly greater in group saline than in group phenylephrine (p Conclusion: There is no statistically significant difference in incidence of hypotension and ephedrine consumption during spinal anesthesia for cesarean delivery with the use of epinephrine when compared to norepinephrine or phenylephrine. Epinephrine can be considered as an alternative agent for management of spinal hypotension.

In this study, we evaluated the accuracy of oscillometric noninvasive blood pressure (NIBP) measured at the ankle in detecting low arm NIBP during cesarean delivery under spinal anesthesia. In this prospective observational study, a cohort of full-term mothers undergoing elective cesarean delivery under spinal anesthesia was examined. Simultaneous NIBP measurements were obtained from the arm and the ankle. The primary outcome was the accuracy of the ankle NIBP in detecting arm systolic blood pressure (SBP)