Obstetric epidurals and chronic adhesive arachnoiditis.
Br J Anaesth
; 92(1): 109-20, 2004 Jan.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-14665562
ABSTRACT
It has been suggested that obstetric epidurals lead to chronic adhesive arachnoiditis (CAA). CAA is a nebulous disease entity with much confusion over its symptomatology. This review outlines the pathological, clinical, and radiological features of the disease. The proposed diagnostic criteria for CAA are back pain that increases on exertion, with or without leg pain; neurological abnormality on examination; and characteristic MRI findings. Using these criteria, there is evidence to show that epidural or subarachnoid placement of some contrast media, preservatives and possibly vasoconstrictors, may lead to CAA. No evidence was found that the preservative-free, low concentration bupivacaine with opioid mixtures or plain bupivacaine currently used in labour lead to CAA.
Search on Google
Collection:
01-internacional
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Arachnoiditis
/
Anesthesia, Epidural
/
Anesthesia, Obstetrical
Type of study:
Diagnostic_studies
/
Etiology_studies
/
Risk_factors_studies
Limits:
Female
/
Humans
/
Pregnancy
Language:
En
Journal:
Br J Anaesth
Year:
2004
Document type:
Article
Affiliation country:
Reino Unido