Flat Feet Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Flat Feet, including details on flatfoot, fallen arches, children, treatment, arthrodesis.

Management of a parturient with an acute exacerbation of idiopathic pulmonary haemosiderosis and posterior spinal instrumentation.

Allen TK, George RB, Peterson-Layne C, Habib AS

Division of Women's Anaesthesia, Department of Anaesthesiology, Duke University Medical Centre, Box 3094, Durham, NC 27710, USA. ticka98@btinternet.com

Idiopathic pulmonary haemosiderosis (IPH) is a rare condition associated with diffuse alveolar haemorrhage and pulmonary fibrosis. We describe the anaesthetic management of a parturient with a history of posterior spinal fusion presenting with an acute exacerbation of IPH necessitating vaginal delivery at 34 weeks gestation. We used a spinal catheter for labour analgesia and bilevel positive airway pressure (BIPAP) ventilation to improve oxygenation during labour. An arterial line sited to allow frequent arterial blood gas sampling also facilitated continuous cardiac output monitoring. The use of a carefully titrated neuraxial block for analgesia, in conjunction with BIPAP, was associated with minimal haemodynamic and respiratory compromise during labour in this patient.

Published 23 January 2008 in Br J Anaesth, 100(2): 235-9.
Full-text of this article is available online (may require subscription).

© 2005-2008 Flat Feet Research Today. All Rights Reserved.