Anaesthesia for caesarean section in a patient with diastrophic dwarfism

Exacerbation of Spinal Stenosis Symptoms Following Neuraxial Anesthesia in an Achondroplastic Cesarean Section

We report the case of an achondroplastic female who presented with acute neurologic decline following epidural anesthesia for an elective cesarean section. Achondroplasia presents unique anatomical challenges to anesthesiologists in perioperative management, and cesarean sections are standard for achondroplastic pregnancies. High rates of spinal stenosis and lumbar radiculopathy in this patient population make administration of epidural analgesia technically challenging and may increase the risk of neurologic injury. Ultrasound is an effective means of administering epidural anesthesia for most patients; however, its utility is user-dependent and more challenging for those with obesity and abnormal spinal anatomy, both of which are common in achondroplasia. Cephalic and thoracic anatomical features in achondroplasia can also make general anesthesia challenging. Therefore, preoperative imaging may help guide preoperative planning based on patient anatomy and individual risk factors to reduce the risks of complications in this patient population. This report includes details from the patient's prenatal care, cesarean section, and 18 months of follow-up.

Kyphomelic dysplasia, Pierre Robin Sequence and pregnant

We present the anaesthetic management of a parturient with kyphomelic dysplasia and Pierre Robin Sequence who underwent elective caesarean delivery. Potential anaesthetic issues and management strategies are discussed.

Successful obstetric and anaesthetic management of a pregnant woman with achondroplasia

Achondroplasia is the most prevalent form of dwarfism, and there is little evidence about the optimal management of pregnant women with achondroplasia. We presented a 25-year-old primigravid woman with achondroplasia who was followed up during the pregnancy period and performed elective caesarean section with combined spinal-epidural anaesthesia at the 38th week of gestation. Frequent obstetric follow-up visits and invasive prenatal diagnostic tests should be offered during the antenatal period due to the increased risk for obstetric complications, such as premature delivery and fetal anomalies. Prenatal detailed counselling, comprehensive evaluation of the potential risks, obstetric and perioperative management should be performed by a multidisciplinary care team, including an obstetrician, anaesthesiologist, pulmonologist, cardiologist and neonatologist.

Pregnancy Outcome in Cartilage-Hair Hypoplasia, a Rare Form of Dwarfism

Background. This case report discusses the pregnancy outcome of a patient with cartilage-hair hypoplasia, a rare form of dwarfism, and multiple previous orthopedic surgeries. Literature on pregnancy outcomes in patients with cartilage-hair hypoplasia is limited. Case. A 32-year-old patient with cartilage-hair hypoplasia presented at 12 weeks' gestation to the high-risk obstetrics clinic for care. Preterm labor resulted in cesarean delivery at 34 weeks' gestation with general anesthetic. Breastfeeding was stopped at 6 weeks due to neonatal complications. Conclusion. Pregnancy and delivery were uncomplicated. A multidisciplinary approach allowed for effective management during pregnancy and postnatal care. This is the first known documented case of prenatal care, delivery, and breastfeeding in a woman with this rare disorder.

Anesthetic management for Cesarean delivery in parturients with a diagnosis of dwarfism

PURPOSE

The literature on the anesthetic management of parturients with dwarfism is sparse and limited to isolated case reports. Pregnancy complications associated with dwarfism include an increased risk of respiratory compromise, an increased risk of Cesarean delivery, and an unpredictable degree of anesthesia with neuraxial techniques. Therefore, we conducted this retrospective review to evaluate the anesthetic management of parturients with a diagnosis of dwarfism.

METHODS

We used a query of billing data to identify short statured women who underwent a Cesarean delivery during May 1, 2008 to May 1, 2013. We then hand searched the electronic medical record for qualifying patients with heights < 148 cm and a diagnosis of dwarfism. The extracted data included patient demographics and obstetric and anesthetic information.

RESULTS

We identified 13 women with dwarfism who had 15 Cesarean deliveries in total. Twelve of the women had disproportionate dwarfism, and ten of the 15 Cesarean deliveries were due to cephalopelvic disproportion. Neuraxial anesthesia was attempted in 93% of deliveries. The dose chosen for initiation of neuraxial anesthesia was lower than the typical doses used in parturients of normal stature. Neuraxial anesthetic complications included difficult neuraxial placement (64%), high spinal (7%), inadequate surgical level (13%), and unrecognized intrathecal catheter (7%).

CONCLUSIONS

The data collected suggest that females with a diagnosis of dwarfism may have difficult neuraxial placement and potentially require lower dosages of local anesthetic for both spinal and epidural anesthesia to achieve adequate surgical blockade.

Case report: Anesthesia management for emergency cesarean section in a patient with dwarfism

BACKGROUND

Dwarfism is characterized by short stature. Pregnancy in women with dwarfism is uncommon and cesarean section is generally indicated for delivery. Patients with dwarfism are high-risk population for both general and regional anesthesia, let alone in an emergency surgery.

CASE PRESENTATION

In this case report we present a 27-year-old Chinese puerpera with dwarfism who underwent emergency cesarean section under combined spinal and epidural anesthesia.

CONCLUSION

It is an original case report, which provides instructive significance for anesthesia management especially combined spinal and epidural anesthesia in this rare condition. There was only one former article that reported a puerpera who underwent combined spinal and epidural anesthesia for a selective cesarean section.