Preclinical studies for cell transplantation: isolation of primate fetal hepatocytes, their cryopreservation, and efficient retroviral transduction.

Fetal hepatocytes are an attractive target for in utero cellular transplantation. Their use could provide a very efficient way for implanting normal or transduced cells into the livers of affected fetuses. Marking cells with recombinant retroviruses is a powerful tool for evaluating the chimerism of grafted animals. The technique relies on the ex vivo transduction efficiency of the engrafted cells. We have isolated fetal primary hepatocytes from nonhuman primates. The cells were cultured and transduced with a retroviral vector carrying the Escherichia coli beta-galactosidase gene. Optimal gene transfer efficiency was obtained 48-60 hr after plating and was as high as 90%. Cryopreservation had little effect on cell viability and infectivity: The viability of thawed hepatocytes remained high (75-85%) and the infection efficiency was identical to that of freshly isolated cells. Efficient ex vivo retroviral gene transfer into fetal hepatocytes provides an appropriate system for testing allogenic grafting and for modifying immunogenicity of engrafted cells. These results open up new perspectives for cell transplantation through cell banking.

Engraftment of autologous retrovirally transduced hepatocytes after intraportal transplantation into nonhuman primates: implication for ex vivo gene therapy.

The main impediment to effective ex vivo liver gene therapy of metabolic diseases is the lack of experimental work on large animals to resolve such important issues as effective gene delivery, cell-processing techniques, and the development of appropriate vectors. We have used a nonhuman primate, as a preclinical model, to analyze the limiting steps of this approach using recombinant retroviruses. Seven monkeys (Macaca fascicularis) underwent the complete protocol: their left liver lobe was resected, a catheter was placed in the inferior mesenteric vein and connected to an infusion chamber, and the hepatocytes were isolated, cultured, and transduced with a retroviral vector containing the beta-galactosidase gene. The hepatocytes were harvested and returned to the host via the infusion chamber. Biopsies were taken 4-40 days later. No animal was killed in the course of the experiments. They all tolerated the procedure well. We have developed and defined conditions that permit the proliferation and transduction of up to 90% of the plated hepatocytes. A significant proportion of genetically modified cells, representing up to 3% of the liver mass, were safely delivered to the liver via the chamber. Polymerase chain reaction analysis detected integrated viral DNA sequences and quantitative analysis of the in situ beta-Gal-expressing hepatocytes indicated that a significant amount of transduced hepatocytes, up to 2%, had become integrated into the liver and were functional. These results represent substantial advances in the development of the ex vivo approach and suggest that this approach is of clinical relevance for liver-directed gene therapy.

Post partum headache after epidural analgesia without dural puncture.

In order to improve our knowledge of post partum headache, during a two-year period we studied a large population of pregnant patients of our institution using a four-stage process including two questionnaires (the first at 12-15 weeks' gestation and the second in the first week after delivery), a pre-anesthetic visit at 36 +/- 2 weeks' gestation and a computer printout obtained at delivery. Of 1058 patients for whom records were complete and who had epidural analgesia during labor not complicated by dural puncture, 128 (12.1%) complained of post partum headache. In patients who did not receive epidural analgesia, the incidence of post partum headache tended to be higher (15.2%). However, because of the low response rate (27.1%) and the low absolute number of patients with headache (27) in the non-epidural group, statistical comparison was not possible. Data from the medical history or from the current pregnancy as well as data obtained during delivery (maternal and fetal-neonatal) were not significantly different between those patients free of pain and those presenting with headache, except for a history of migraine and pregnancy-induced hypertension which were both associated with an increased risk of post partum headache. These risk factors should be considered in both clinical studies and obstetric malpractice claims.

Parturient's posture during epidural puncture affects the distance from skin to epidural space.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To assess the factors affecting the distance from skin to epidural space. DESIGN: Prospective observational study of consecutive cases over a 2-year period. SETTING: Inpatient obstetric unit in a French university hospital. PATIENTS: 2,123 consecutive term parturients who received epidural anesthesia for cesarean section or epidural analgesia for labor and vaginal delivery. INTERVENTIONS: At the time of epidural puncture, the interspace used and the patient's posture (sitting or left lateral decubitus) were recorded, and the distance from the skin to the epidural space (DS-ES) was measured to the nearest 0.5 cm using a marked epidural needle. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The relationship between patient factors [height, weight, body mass index (BMI; weight/height2), presence of scoliosis] and technical factors (interspace, patient's posture at puncture) versus DS-ES was investigated using multiple regression analysis. DS-ES correlated positively with the parturient's weight and BMI. In addition, DS-ES was significantly greater when epidural puncture was performed in the lateral position as compared with the sitting position. CONCLUSION: Both the patient's weight and position during epidural needle placement are important factors influencing DS-ES. A change from the sitting to the lateral position may increase DS-ES, causing catheter dislodgment and consequent inadequate analgesia. Clinical studies relating DS-ES to inadequate analgesia must take these factors into account.

Dose of prophylactic intravenous ephedrine during spinal anesthesia for cesarean section.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To compare the incidence of maternal hypotension associated with spinal anesthesia for cesarean section when 10-, 15-, or 20-mg prophylactic boluses of intravenous (IV) ephedrine are used. DESIGN: Prospective observational study. SETTING: Teaching hospital. PATIENTS: 108 women admitted for elective cesarean section. INTERVENTIONS: Spinal anesthesia was performed using hyperbaric bupivacaine 10 mg, sufentanil 2 microg, and morphine 0.2 mg (volume 4 mL). Ephedrine (10, 15, or 20 mg) was administered 2 minutes after the intrathecal injection. Maternal blood pressure was checked every 2 minutes. Hypotension was promptly treated with 5-mg ephedrine boluses. MAIN RESULTS: Incidence of hypotension was significantly higher in women receiving a 10-mg prophylactic dose of ephedrine than in those receiving either a 15-mg or a 20-mg prophylactic dose of ephedrine [23/36 in the 10-mg ephedrine group vs. 13/36 and 10/36 in the 15-mg and 20-mg ephedrine groups, respectively (p< 0.05)]. CONCLUSION: In the conditions of this study, a single bolus of IV ephedrine with doses of either 15 or 20 mg decreased significantly the incidence of maternal hypotension as compared to a single 10-mg bolus of ephedrine.

[Efficacy and safety of inhalation premixed nitrous oxide and oxygen for the management of procedural diagnostic pain in neuropediatrics]. / Efficacité et sécurité de l'inhalation de MEOPA pour la pratique d'actes invasifs à visée diagnostique en neuropédiatrie.

AIM: We studied the use of premixed nitrous oxide and oxygen in 80 patients with neurologic diseases. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Mean ages ranged 10 +/- 5 yrs. Twenty-three patients (29%) were mentally retardated among which 17 of them presented with severe epilepsy. Painful procedures consisted of: lumbar punctures (80%), intravenous access (7), gastric endoscopy (6), skin biopsy (4), gastrostomy tube management (3). High-risk children were continuously monitored using ECG, non invasive blood pressure and transcutaneous oxygen saturation. We studied acceptation of the inhalation, vital signs, satisfaction of children, parents, medical and nursing staffs; side effects were compared with a group of healthy children undergoing venous access before induction of anesthesia. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Acceptation increased with age. No significant changes in vital signs variables were observed. Satisfaction rate regarding the method was 88% for all children, parents, physicians and nurses. No serious undesirable event (as respiratory depression, seizure, inhalation of gastric content) occurred in these patients. The more frequent side-effects were: drowsiness during and after inhalation (35 and 9% respectively in the handicapped patients); nausea and vomiting (8%), headaches (3%), were more frequent than reported in literature but there were 25% of meningitis among our patients. CONCLUSION: Premixed nitrous oxide and oxygen was effective for reducing procedural pain and anxiety in children with neurological disorders, even in severely handicapped patients, with minor side-effects.

[Anesthesic practices in patients with severe postpartum hemorrhage with persistent or worsening bleeding]. / Prise en charge anesthésique en cas d'hémorragie du post-partum qui persiste ou qui s'aggrave malgré les mesures initiales.

Severe postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is a rare and critical situation which requires fast and well-planned management where close collaboration between obstetricians and anesthesiologists is essential. In case of persisting or worsening bleeding in spite of initially adequate management, the main goal of the anesthesiologist is to maintain hemodynamic stability (fluid resuscitation, transfusion, vasoactive drugs) and optimal respiratory state (oxygenation) and to correct the frequent clotting disorders, whereas the obstetrician and/or the radiologist have to achieve definitive hemostasis. Assessment of the severity of PPH is determined from: quantity of blood loss and/or duration of bleeding, difficulty in maintaining a correct hemodynamic state in spite of active vascular fluid resuscitation, need for vasoactive therapy and transfusion, occurrence and worsening of clotting disorders. Continuous drip Sulprostone requires close clinical surveillance and continuous monitoring (electrocardiography, non-invasive blood pressure monitor, pulse oximetry). When this treatment does not enable sufficiently rapid control of the bleeding (consensus = within 30 minutes), invasive therapy (arterial embolization, vascular ligation even hysterectomy) should be started promptly. When the bleeding continues despite aggressive medical treatments, general anesthesia (even if an epidural catheter is already in place) is needed to proceed with the invasive surgical procedure. This anaesthesia of a "full stomach" patient justifies a rapid-sequence induction with cricoid pressure and intubation. The risk is particularly high in case of hemorrhagic shock. Angiographic embolization should be carried out in an angiography suite which must be equipped for this kind of situation (anesthesia and resuscitation material, adapted monitoring). A member of the anesthesia team must be present throughout this procedure. At best, a multidisciplinary team, specially trained for this purpose, including obstetrician, anesthesiologist, radiologist and biologist should be available. When one or several invasive treatments were necessary to control the bleeding, it is recommended to transfer the patient to a specialized unit (intensive care unit or recovery room).

[Use of Diprivan in gynecology]. / Utilisation du Diprivan en gynécologie.

1. Propofol as an induction agent At a dose of 2 to 2.5 mg.kg-1, as a bolus injection over 30 to 60 seconds, for gynaecological procedures of short duration (abortion, D and C), propofol can be characterized as follows when compared with other induction agents: ADVANTAGES OVER METHOHEXITONE AND ETOMIDATE: decreased incidence of hiccups and abnormal movements, increased quality of induction, similar to that obtained with thiopentone, decreased postoperative nausea and vomiting. ADVANTAGES OVER THIOPENTONE: shorter recovery period, more rapid recovery of consciousness and orientation. DISADVANTAGES WHEN COMPARED WITH THIOPENTONE: more frequent pain at the injection site, however its prevention is possible, more frequent apnoea, but may be avoided by slowly injecting the drug, higher cost. The main advantage of propofol over thiopentone (shorter recovery period), makes day-case gynaecological procedures one of its major indications. This concerns young, healthy women, whose professional and family lives are important and who may benefit from minimal disruption in their way of life. 2. Propofol as a maintenance agent Propofol is given as a continuous infusion at a dose ranging from 6 to 12 mg.kg-1.h-1 for maintenance of prolonged procedures (abdominal surgery, hysterectomy) and can be characterized as follows with respect to halogenated anaesthetics: ADVANTAGES OVER ENFLURANE AND ISOFLURANE: decreased postoperative nausea and vomiting, increased recovery scores (1st hour). COMPARED WITH DESFLURANE: shorter induction time than desflurane, less respiratory problems at induction, similar recovery period, same incidence of nausea and vomiting. The administration of propofol for maintenance of anaesthesia has the main advantage of reducing the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting when compared to conventional halogenated anaesthetics. Respective costs of the various techniques, using propofol or the new halogenated anaesthetics, may be a criterion for choice in the future.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

[Dural taps in peridural analgesia for labor: management by French anesthesiologists in 1997]. / Brèches dure-mériennes au cours de l'analgésie péridurale du travail: prise en charge par les anesthésistes français en 1997.

OBJECTIVES: To assess prophylactic and curative managements of dural taps occurring during the setting of epidural analgesia (EA) for labour. STUDY DESIGN: Nationwide French retrospective survey. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From April to July 1997, a questionnaire was sent to 799 French obstetrical units located in both teaching and non-teaching public hospitals and private institutions. RESULTS: Answers were obtained from 267 units (response rate of 33%). Although management of dural taps was similar in 52% of the institutions, only 8% had produced a written protocol. After a dural puncture, EA was still performed in 95% of the units, but usually in another interspace (87%). Large oral fluid intake was the most frequent prophylactic measure (81%). To prevent postdural puncture headache (PDPH), bed rest was largely used (76%) and lasted 24 hours in 46% of the institutions. Prophylactic epidural blood patch (EBP) was performed in 14% of the units. To treat PDPH, a majority of anaesthesiologists performed an EBP (92%) and most of them after a delay of 48 hours (62%). Intravenous and oral caffeine was used in 31 and 24% of the units respectively. Prior to EBP, coagulation status was assessed in about 20% of the units and blood culture in less than 3%. In 65% of the units the injection of EBP was discontinued when the patients felt backache. A large range of volumes were injected, but usually less than 20 mL were administered (81%). In 60% of the units the patients were discharged home after an overnight stay in the hospital. If the first EBP failed, a second one was performed in 61% of the cases. CONCLUSION: Management of dural taps occurring after EA for pain relief in labour differs widely from one French obstetrical unit to another.

[Treatment with danaparoid during pregnancy for a woman with a cutenous allergy to low-molecular-weight heparin] . / Traitement par le danaparoïde de sodium au cours de la grossesse chez une patiente présentant une allergie cutanée aux héparines de bas poids moléculaire.

The authors describe a case of heparin-induced skin reaction due to two preparations of low molecular weight heparin in a pregnant woman. The main characteristics of heparin-related cutaneous allergy are reported. The use of an heparinoid, usually indicated for patients with heparin-induced thrombocytopenia, appeared to be efficient and safe for the mother and her fetus. An epidural analgesia was performed for labor analgesia, 24 hours after the last injection of danaparid of sodium.

[Evaluation of hemostasis before obstetrical epidural anesthesia: a survey in 435 French obstetric departments]. / Evaluation de l'hémostase avant anesthésie péridurale obstétricale: enquête dans 435 maternités françaises.

OBJECTIVES: To specify by which means French anaesthesiologists evaluate the haemostasis profile of pregnant women before epidural analgesia. STUDY DESIGN: Nationwide retrospective survey. MATERIAL: Questionnaire sent of 847 French obstetrical units. METHODS: Comparison of categorical qualitative parameters using a chi 2 test. RESULTS: Answers from 435 centres, including 1,834 anaesthesiologists, performing 227 x 10(3) epidurals for 411 x 10(3) deliveries/year were obtained. A preanaesthetic clinical assessment was performed systematically in two out of three units, and blood samples for PT, aPTT and platelet count were taken in more than 90% of the centres. These laboratory examinations were often made during the 9th month of pregnancy (74%). For more than one-third of the anaesthesiologists, biological data are not essential before epidural puncture. In addition, the lower limits considered as being safe before epidural puncture were highly variable between the teams. CONCLUSIONS: Coagulation laboratory tests are almost always ordered before epidural obstetrical analgesia in France. The rationale to perform them is not always related to pregnancy induced haemostatic changes. Therefore, this problem should be clarified by a consensus conference for both practical and economical reasons.

[Prolonged curarization with suxamethonium in a four-week old infant]. / Curarisation prolongée après suxaméthonium chez un nourrisson de 4 semaines.

A case of a 28-day-old infant who developed suxamethonium apnoea is described. He was found to be homozygous for atypical cholinesterase. Main characteristics of this disorder are reviewed. Other causes of prolonged apnoea in infants recovering from anaesthesia for surgery of pyloric stenosis are discussed.

[Evaluation of antibacterial filters for peridural obstetrical anesthesia]. / Evaluation des filtres antibactériens utilisés pour l'analgésie péridurale obstétricale.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the antibacterial efficiency of filters used in obstetrics when epidural top-ups are performed. STUDY DESIGN: Observational prospective study. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We aseptically collected 201 antibacterial filters that had been used for top-ups with ropivacaine +/- sufentanil for epidural analgesia during labour. We flushed them first with 2 mL of saline and then with 2 mL of a solution containing 1.5 x 10(6) Staphylococcus epidermidis/mL. The filtrates were incubated at 37 degrees C for 72 h. Number of top-ups and duration of epidural analgesia are expressed as median (extremes). RESULTS: 3 (1-10) top-ups were performed for labour analgesia over a period of 6.5 h (1.8-18). After filtering, all the solutions were found to be sterile. Especially, when using Staphylococcus epidermidis solutions, bacteria were not found beyond any filter. These results suggest the integrity of the filter membrane after several boluses. No infection related to epidural analgesia was reported. CONCLUSION: Antibacterial filters provide a good protection against a potentially contaminated procedure during epidural top-ups.

[Fetal and neonatal effects of perimedullary opioids used in obstetrical anesthesia]. / Effets foetaux et néonatals des morphiniques par voie périmédullaire utilisés en anesthésie obstétricale.

The use of spinal or epidural narcotics is more and more frequent in obstetric patients since it enhances the analgesia induced by local anesthetics. However, specific information regarding their fetal and neonatal effects is rare. Fetal effects are mainly dependent on the respiratory and hemodynamic maternal effects, and thus usually limited when usual low dosages of intraspinal narcotics are used. Neonatal respiratory depression, which is the main neonatal risk, has not been fully studied. In contrast, the evaluation of Apgar and neurobehavioral scores, performed for all the narcotics used, shows little changes when low dosages are used. However, the use of larger dosages epidurally is associated with an increased frequency of low neurobehavioral scores. Therefore, the use of low dosages of epidural narcotics is recommended since there is little available information about the risk of neonatal respiratory depression and no clear maternal advantage of higher dosages.

[Acute fetal distress. The anesthesiologist's point of view]. / Souffrance foetale aiguë. Point de vue de l'anesthésiste.

Foetal distress is a non-specific and imprecise diagnose sometimes associated with surgical delivery of a normal newborn. As this type of delivery is usually considered urgent, emergent anaesthesia is required. General anaesthesia is usually chosen in these cases because it is the quickest anaesthetic technique and because of fears concerning the haemodynamic consequences of regional techniques. Maternal risks of general anaesthesia which is the leading cause of anaesthesia-related maternal mortality (difficult intubation and Mendelson's syndrome) but also neonatal consequences (increased need for neonatal resuscitation) have challenged this policy. Indeed, spinal anaesthesia and extension of a pre-existing epidural analgesia are more and more used during emergency Caesarean section. A better evaluation of the patient's problems based upon a pre-anaesthetic outpatient visit during the last trimester of pregnancy allows a more rational approach to meet the patient's requirements should an emergency. Caesarean section be necessary. For example, a "prophylactic" epidural instituted soon after the beginning of labour may be lifesaving in a patient with obvious signs of difficult intubation. A clear definition of safe standards of equipment and practices either to prevent. Mendelson's syndrome or to cope with a failed intubation drill is of greatest importance. Finally, comprehensive communication between the anaesthetic and obstetrical teams is one of the most useful ways to facilitate safer approach of the management of obstetric emergencies studies. Caesarean section for foetal distress.

[Anesthesia for acute fetal distress]. / Anesthésie pour souffrance foetale aiguë.

Anaesthesia for fetal distress is usually indicated for emergency caesarean section. General anaesthesia, which is the classical technique in these cases, remains the leading cause of anaesthesia-related maternal mortality. Difficult intubation and Mendelson's syndrome are mostly responsible for these fatalities. Nevertheless there are several answers to this problem. A better evaluation of the patient's problems based upon a preanaesthetic outpatient visit during the last term of pregnancy allows a more rational approach to meet the patient's requirements should an emergency caesarean section occur. For example, a "prophylactic" epidural instituted soon after the beginning of labor may be lifesaving in a patient with obvious signs of difficult intubation. A clear definition of safe standards of equipment and practices both to prevent Mendelson's syndrome or to cope with a failed intubation through a "failed intubation drill" is of paramount importance. Finally, a comprehensive communication between anesthetic and obstetrical teams is one of the most useful ways to allow a safer approach of the management of obstetric emergencies such as caesarean section for fetal distress.

[Effect of epidural anesthesia on the fetus and the neonate]. / Retentissement de l'anesthésie péridurale sur le foetus et le nouveau-né.

The placental transfer of local anaesthetics (LA) depends on maternal factors (LA dosage, degree of protein binding, blood pH), placental factors (surface of placental exchange, placenta thickness) and fetal factors (maternal-fetal gradient of pH, fetal hepatic metabolism of the LA, redistribution of the cardiac output in case of fetal hypoxia). The assessment of effects of LA and epidural anaesthesia (EA) on the fetus is based on the monitoring of the fetal heart rate and the measurement of the fetal pH allowing to rapidly detect an acute fetal distress. Apgar score, analysis of blood gases in the umbilical artery and neurobehavioral tests (such as Brazelton test (NBAS). Early Neonatal Neurobehavioral Scale (ENNS) and Neurologic and Adaptative Capacity Score (NACS) allow an evaluation of the drugs effects on the neonate. Direct effects of LA: although a diminution of variability of the fetal heart rate has been reported little after the beginning of an EA using lidocaine, no significant modification of the fetal heart rate after EA using bupivacaine or lidocaine with epinephrine has been shown. Fetal neurological toxicity is rare and there are very little alterations of neurobehavioral scores after EA. Indirects effects on the uteroplacental blood flow (UBF): in high concentration, LA entail a vasoconstriction of uterine arteries but the main feared effect is maternal arterial hypotension that impedes directly the uteroplacental blood flow: fetal consequences depend on the importance and duration of the UBF decrease, the preliminary state of the utero-placental circulation and haemodynamic adaptative capacities of the fetus: when the former are exceeded, fetal hypoxia occurs and myocardial and brain oxygenation can be rapidly impaired if the haemodynamic state is not corrected.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

[Polytraumatised children]. / L'enfant polytraumatisé.

Trauma is the leading cause of mortality in children between the ages of 1 and 14 years. It represents a major health problem in all industrialized countries. A well coordinated organization of the whole chain of cares is essential, from the initial management at the scene of the accident until the long term neurological rehabilitation of the child. During the initial examination, the presence of anoxia, hypovolemia or neurological distress was systematically evaluated. Emergency therapeutic measures should be ensured. At the term of this initial management: if the haemodynamic state is unstable, an emergency operative procedure may be required; if the haemodynamic state remains stable, one can realize a complete clinical and radiological assessment. The clinical and biological supervision must continue during this evaluation while sedation and analgesia are essential to limit an increase in intracranial pressure (ICP). At the term of this complete assessment, if one or several surgical lesions are identified, an operative program with a precise hierarchy is scheduled; if an intensive medical support is required, the child is then transferred to the pediatric intensive care unit. Most often, children with a serious head trauma do not have neurosurgical lesions but a "brain-swelling" or cerebral edema. Elevated ICP is one of the main risk for cerebral ischemia. Therefore, continuous assessment of ICP is essential. Thoracic trauma is most often a closed trauma in the child: pneumothorax and pulmonary contusion are the problems most frequently met. An emergency laparotomy is required if the abdomen volume increases rapidly associated to the persistence of a unstable haemodynamic status despite an important fluid expansion. However, the presence of intraperitoneal blood is no longer a formal indication to surgery. Frequent examination of liver and splenic lesions with abdominal tomodensitometry allows to avoid surgery in more than 90% of cases at the price of a very rigorous haemodynamic supervision. Intestinal perforations are rare and difficult to diagnose: peritoneal dialysis, if it reveals the presence of a leucocytosis greater than 500/mm3 or bacteria justifies the surgery.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

[Vascular filling and vasopressors: effects on the fetus and the newborn infant]. / Remplissage vasculaire et vasopresseurs: effets sur le foetus et le nouveau-né.

Epidural analgesia and anaesthesia are more and more commonly used in modern obstetrical anaesthesia practice leading to the frequent use of fluid infusion and vasopressors. Fetal and neonatal effects of these treatments are reviewed here and may be summarized as follows: 1) Prolonged and/or severe maternal arterial hypotension may induce fetal hypoxia and acidosis, especially when fetal status is already compromised (uteroplacental insufficiency). 2) Preventive fluid hydratation with crystalloids associated with left uterine displacement are always useful to avoid maternal hypotension. 3) Dextrose-containing solutions are undesirable for the prevention of treatment of maternal hypotension as they may induce delayed neonatal hypoglycemia. 4) When the parturient is correctly hydrated, the rapid use of intravenous ephedrine is efficient in restoring normal maternal arterial pressure and has no deleterious effect on the fetus and the newborn. Finally, rapid, repetitive and non-invasive monitoring of maternal arterial pressure is the prerequisite to a rapid management of maternal hypotension which is essential to avoid any deleterious effect to the fetus and the neonate.

[Ambulatory anesthesia in gynecologic surgery]. / Anesthésie ambulatoire en chirurgie gynécologique.

Surgical gynecologic procedures are among the best clinical indications of ambulatory surgery as the patients are usually young and healthy. The beneficial effects of this type of organization (economical, medical and psychological) are numerous. A rational approach of the main objectives of ambulatory surgery and anesthesia is needed to choose the more logical anesthetic agents to allow rapid patient's recovery with a minimal rate of postoperative problems. These issues are therefore briefly developed in this text.