[Influence of lumbar peridural anaesthesia on fetal heart rate patterns in the second stage of labour (author's transl)].

The influence of lumbar peridural anaesthesia (PA) on fetal heart rate patterns in the second stage of labour was studied in 218 vaginal deliveries without maternal and fetal risk. A CTG-Score as proposed by Hammacher was used to evaluate fetal heart rate patterns. No influence of PA on fetal heart rate in the second stage of labour was found with primiparae, whereas multiparae showed more normal patterns under PA than without PA.

[Treatment in perforation of the dura by catheter during peridural anesthesia in obstetrics (author's transl)].

A rare complication following a dural tap in labour is reported: cerebrospinal fluid was aspirated although a catheter was properly re-inserted into the peridural space. The most successful therapy is proposed.

[Peridural anesthesia in obstetrics (author's transl)].

In German speaking countries peridural anesthesia in obstetrics has been introduced 25 years ago by Anselmino. Because of the increase of operative delivery and the--however rare--serious complications in the mother the technique has been employed less and less. Now, with the introduction of the catheter technique, which renders lower doses of the anesthetic effective and with improved treatment of complications due to it, the technique has become safer for the mother.