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Introduction/Objective. To present and compare maternal and neonatal effects of two remifentanil dosing regimens, used during induction-delivery period of elective caesarean section in attempt to attenuate maternal cardiovascular response to surgical stress. Methods. Seventy-seven ASA I-II parturients were randomly divided into three groups and received the following: A – 1 μg/kg remifentanil immediately before the induction to anesthesia followed by 0.15 μg/ kg/min infusion, interrupted after skin incision; B – 1 μg/kg remifentanil bolus immediately before the induction; C – no remifentanil until delivery. Hemodynamic (blood pressure, heart rate) and bispectral index changes after endotracheal intubation, skin incision, peritoneal incision and delivery, intraoperative anesthetics consumption and neonatal outcome have been compared between the groups. Results. Hemodynamic response to intubation was significantly attenuated (p < 0.001) in groups A and B compared to C. Hemodynamic response to skin incision, peritoneal incision and delivery was significantly attenuated in group A compared to B and C. Thiopentone dose in groups A and B was lower than in group C (p < 0.001); sevoflurane and remifentanil consumption was less in group A compared to B and C (p < 0.001). Apgar scores at 1st minute were ≥ 8 in all neonates, with no differences in neonatal heart rate, oxygen saturation and umbilical blood gas values (all within normal range). Conclusion. 1 μg/kg remifentanil bolus followed by 0.15 μg/kg/min stopped after skin incision, successfully blunted maternal hemodynamic stress response throughout whole induction-delivery period, reduced anesthetic consumption, without affecting neonatal outcome, so it can be considered effective as well as safe to use during induction-delivery period of caesarean section.

Introduction. Retroperitoneal ectopic pregnancy is extremely rare, but potentially fatal condition due to possible massive hemorrhage, representing a great challenge to clinicians. Case report. We presented early retroperitoneal pregnancy in a patient with previous caesarean section, diagnosed at the sixth gestational week, located in the left broad ligament, primary treated by laparoscopy, which had to be converted to laparotomy due to massive intraoperative bleeding from the implantation site. Conclusion. High index of suspicion, combined with carefully interpreted clinical and ultrasound findings are crucial for the timely diagnosis of retroperitoneal pregnancy, before the occurrence of severe bleeding. The rising, even plateau of serum β-human chorionic gonadotropin (β-HCG) levels without identification of uterine or ectopic (tubal) pregnancy should cause suspicion on ectopic pregnancy in unusual location.

The objective of our study was to compare the effects of two remifentanil dosing regimens, used during induction-delivery period of cesarean section, and of remifentanil-free control on maternal intubating conditions and hemodynamic response to endotracheal intubation as well as on neonatal outcome. Seventy seven ASA physical status I-II women with singleton term pregnancy, who were scheduled for elective cesarean section in general anesthesia and have given written informed consent, were enrolled in this prospective, randomized controlled study and divided in three groups: A - 31 patient received 1 μg/kg remifentanil bolus before the induction of anesthesia, followed by 0.15 μg/kg/min remifentanil infusion that was stopped after the skin incision; B - 27 patients received only 1 μg/kg remifentanil bolus; C - 19 patients did not receive remifentanil until the delivery of the baby. Intubating conditions were qualified as excellent, good or poor. Group A had significantly higher number of patients with excellent intubating conditions (p = 0.011); majority of patients with good intubating conditions were in group C (p = 0.017). Systolic, diastolic, main arterial pressure and heart rate raised significantly in group C compared to A and B (p < 0.001). Neonatal outcome did not differ between groups - all neonates were vital with first minute Apgar scores ≥ 8. In conclusion, our dosing regimen of remifentanil 1μg/kg bolus given immediately before the induction followed by 0.15 μg/kg/min interrupted after skin incision provided the best compromise between the achievement of excellent intubating conditions, attenuation of maternal hemodynamic stress response to endotracheal intubation and avoidance of neonatal respiratory depression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. Eclampsia is one of the most serious complications of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, defined as the occurrence of one or more convulsions superimposed on preeclampsia. Besides the ordinary course of the disease, ranging from a mild to a severe form, with culmination in eclamptic seizures, there is a significant percent of cases where eclampsia starts unexpectedly, without typical premonitory symptoms and signs, which makes it difficult to prevent. Neuroradiological Characteristics and Pathogenesis of Eclampsia. Neuroradiological signs of eclampsia are described as posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome, and are manifested by nausea, vomiting, headache, visual disturbances, altered mental status, convulsions and coma, together with characteristic findings on computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging scan of the head, indicating the presence of vasogenic brain edema. The topic of this article are possible mechanisms of the development of posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome in pregnancy and modalities of acute treatment of this emergency state. Management of Eclampsia. Magnesium sulphate is nowadays the drug of choice for the treatment and prevention of eclamptic seizures. Labetalol is considered to be the agent of choice in the treatment of hypertensive emergencies of pregnancy, followed by hydralazine, nifedipine, nicardipine, urapidil, nitroglycerin and sodium nitroprusside (in most refractory cases). Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin blocking drugs are contraindicated in pregnancy. Captopril and enalapril are allowed during lactation. Conclusion. Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome in eclamptic patients is completely reversible if adequate diagnosis is promptly made and intensive treatment immediately administered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]