Pre-emptive awake airway management under dexmedetomidine sedation in a parturient with spinal muscular atrophy type-2

Intravenous Dexmedetomidine as an Adjunct to Neuraxial Anesthesia in Cesarean Delivery: A Retrospective Chart Review

Background

Dexmedetomidine is a selective α-2 agonist commonly used for sedation that has been used in obstetric anesthesia for multimodal labor analgesia, postcesarean delivery analgesia, and perioperative shivering. This study evaluated the role of intravenous dexmedetomidine to provide rescue analgesia and/or sedation during cesarean delivery under neuraxial anesthesia.

Methods

We conducted a single-center, retrospective cohort study of all parturients undergoing cesarean delivery under neuraxial anesthesia between December 1, 2018, and November 30, 2019, who required supplemental analgesia during the procedure. Patients were divided into two groups: patients who received intravenous dexmedetomidine (Dexmed group) and patients who received adjunct medications such as fentanyl, midazolam, ketamine, and nitrous oxide (Standard group). Primary outcome was incidence of conversion to general anesthesia.

Results

During the study period, 107 patients received adjunct medications. There was no difference in conversion to general anesthesia between the Dexmed group and the Standard group (6% (4/62) vs. 9% (4/45); p=0.718). In the Dexmed group, the mean dexmedetomidine dose received was 37 μg (range 10 to 140 μg). While the use of inotropic/vasopressor medications was common and similar in both groups, there was an increase in the incidence of bradycardia (Dexmed 15% vs. Standard 2%; p=0.042) but not hypotension (Dexmed 24% vs. Standard 24%; p=1.00) in the Dexmed group.

Conclusion

In patients who required supplemental analgesia for cesarean delivery, those who received dexmedetomidine versus other medications had a similar rate of conversion to general anesthesia, a statistically significant increase in bradycardia, but no difference in the incidence of hypotension.

An integrative review of factors that influence reproductive decisions in women with sickle cell disease

Sickle cell disease is one of the most prevalent genetic diseases in the world. Improvements in care have enabled those affected to experience an improved quality of life, with many affected persons now reaching reproductive age. However, pregnancy poses significant risks for women with the disease and this may affect their reproductive decisions. We conducted an integrative review of the published relevant scientific evidence to ascertain the factors that may influence these women with their reproductive decisions. The electronic databases MEDLINE, CINAHL, and PsychInfo and relevant journals were searched for peer-reviewed papers published between 2005 and 2015. Of the 440 papers identified, six papers satisfied the inclusion criteria and were assessed for quality. Results were analysed and synthesised using a thematic approach to produce a narrative report of the findings. Two main themes were identified: (1) factors influencing reproductive decision-making and (2) experiences during pregnancy. Education regarding disease knowledge and genetic implications may improve participation into screening programmes, facilitate the effective treatment needed to create trust in healthcare services, and promote better self-management. Educating professionals involved in family planning will facilitate women with this condition to make informed decisions regarding pregnancy. However, further research is required to explore the understanding of the risks involved with sickle cell disease, the best methods to educate people with sickle cell disease, and the influence that partners and families may have on women's reproductive decisions.

Use of Dexmedetomidine in a Parturient With Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 2A Undergoing Adrenalectomy and Thyroidectomy: A Case Report

Dexmedetomidine is a selective α2-agonist, frequently used in perioperative medicine as anesthesia adjunct. The medication carries a Food and Drug Administration pregnancy category C designation and is therefore rarely used for parturients undergoing nonobstetric surgery. We are reporting the use of dexmedetomidine in the anesthetic management of a parturient undergoing minimally invasive unilateral adrenalectomy for pheochromocytoma during the second trimester of pregnancy. Additionally, because of the multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2A constellation with diagnosis of medullary thyroid cancer, the patient underwent a total thyroidectomy 1 week after the adrenalectomy.