Stability and Compatibility of an Intramuscular Fetal Anesthetic Cocktail for Fetal Intervention.

Introduction: The aim of the study was to evaluate chemical stability and physical compatibility when combining fentanyl, rocuronium, and atropine in a fixed ratio to support intramuscular drug delivery during fetal intervention and surgery.

Methods: A highly concentrated combination of fentanyl, rocuronium, and atropine was created based on common prescribing practices at a maternal-fetal care center. Chemical stability testing was completed using liquid chromatograph mass spectrometry-mass spectrometry (LC/MS-MS) to detect and quantitate atropine, rocuronium, and fentanyl, with fentanyl-d5 being an internal standard at 6, 12, 24, and 36 h following sample preparation.

Detection of Postpartum Hemorrhage Using Compensatory Reserve Index in Patients Undergoing Cesarean Delivery.

Background: Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is the leading cause of maternal death worldwide. Early recognition and management are imperative for improved outcomes. The compensatory reserve index (CRI) is a novel physiological parameter that trends changes in intravascular volume, by continuously comparing extracted photoplethysmogram waveforms to a reference model that was derived from a human model of acute blood loss.

Avoiding the Use of Halogenated Anesthetic Agents for Uterine Relaxation in Open Mid-Gestation Fetal Surgery: A Case Report.

Introduction: Profound uterine relaxation is required for open fetal surgery. This is typically achieved by the administration of high-dose halogenated anesthetic agents. However, this anesthetic technique is associated with adverse cardiovascular effects in the fetus and may have long-term neurocognitive effects as well.

Anesthesia for Maternal-Fetal Interventions: A Survey of Fetal Therapy Centers in the North American Fetal Therapy Network.

Introduction: A wide range of fetal interventions are performed across fetal therapy centers (FTCs). We hypothesized that there is significant variability in anesthesia staffing and anesthetic techniques.

Methods: We conducted an online survey of anesthesiology directors at every FTC within the North American Fetal Therapy Network (NAFTNet).

Nitrous Oxide Use During Labor: Satisfaction, Adverse Effects, and Predictors of Conversion to Neuraxial Analgesia.

Introduction: Women desire safe and effective choices for pain management during labor. Currently, neuraxial and opioid analgesia are the most common methods used in the United States. The purpose of this study was to investigate demographic characteristics, safety, and satisfaction in a cohort of parturients who used inhaled nitrous oxide (N O) analgesia and to determine predictors of conversion from N O to neuraxial analgesia.

Intraoperative ventilation: incidence and risk factors for receiving large tidal volumes during general anesthesia.

Background: There is a growing concern of the potential injurious role of ventilatory over-distention in patients without lung injury. No formal guidelines exist for intraoperative ventilation settings, but the use of tidal volumes (VT) under 10 mL/kg predicted body weight (PBW) has been recommended in healthy patients. We explored the incidence and risk factors for receiving large tidal volumes (VT > 10 mL/kg PBW).

Cystic appearance of low-grade endometrial stromal sarcoma in the right atrium: case report.

A 71-year-old woman presented with a right adnexal solid mass invading the right gonadal vein and inferior vena cava up to the hepatic veins revealed by CT and confirmed by MRI. A thin-walled cyst and a solid mass were unexpectedly found in the right atrium by transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) in the operating room. Using color Doppler and air bubbles as contrast material a circumscribed cyst was confirmed and localized close to the IVC.