Open AccessCaudal Analgesia for Quadruplet Delivery
Author(s) -
Ezzat Abouleish
Publication year - 1976
Publication title -
anesthesia and analgesia/anesthesia and analgesia
Language(s) - Uncategorized
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.404
H-Index - 201
eISSN - 1526-7598
pISSN - 0003-2999
DOI - 10.1213/00000539-197601000-00015
Subject(s) - medicine , anesthesia , pregnancy , depression (economics) , uterine atony , bupivacaine , abdomen , cephalopelvic disproportion , obstetrics , surgery , hysterectomy , genetics , biology , economics , macroeconomics , caesarean section
During the period January 1969 to November 1974, in a total of 39,800 deliveries, there were two sets of quadruplets. Both parturients had been taking ovulation-inducing drugs. Maternal problems were distended abdomen and heavy uterus, causing supine hypotension and lordosis; toxemia of pregnancy; increased possibility of hemorrhage before, during and/or after delivery; edema of the back; mental depression. The fetal problems were prematurity; intrauterine growth retardation; increased possibility of transfusion syndrome and prolapsed cord; increased obstetric manipulation. An adequate number of obstetricians, pediatricians, anesthesiologists, and nurses, necessary equipment, and blood and blood components should be available. Early hospitalization is necessary. Close observation of the patient before, during, and after delivery is essential. The patient should stay on her side throughout the labor. General anesthesia may add to fetal depression and increase the possibility of uterine atony. Spinal or lumbar epidural anesthesia may be difficult because of the associated lordosis and back edema. Caudal block allowed intrauterine manipulation; provided adequate analgesia, permitted high FIO2 administration, and did not interfere with voluntary bearing down when required.