Hemodynamic changes associated with spinal anesthesia for cesarean delivery in severe preeclampsia.

Background: Hemodynamic responses to spinal anesthesia (SA) for cesarean delivery in patients with severe preeclampsia are poorly understood. This study used a beat-by-beat monitor of cardiac output (CO) to characterize the response to SA. The hypothesis was that CO would decrease from baseline values by less than 20%.

The role of the anaesthetist in the management of the pre-eclamptic patient.

Purpose Of Review: Recent literature on the anaesthetist's role in the management of the patient with severe pre-eclampsia is reviewed, with particular emphasis on the role of regional anaesthesia.

Recent Findings: Laboratory findings in pre-eclamptic women include increased levels of markers of oxidative stress and circulating tyrosine kinase 1, and inflammatory activation of leucocytes. Magnesium sulphate is the most effective agent for seizure prophylaxis.