No abstract

(J Clin Anesth. 2016;34:261–269) Owing to increases in both cesarean delivery rates and maternal age, the incidence of placenta accreta is rising. Placenta accreta is an abnormal form of placentation with increased depth of placental invasion that is associated with maternal hemorrhage and is an important cause of maternal death. The objective of this study was to assess whether routine stratification of antepartum magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of abnormal placentation correlated with severe maternal hemorrhage and blood product requirements with the goal of appropriately identifying and preparing patients at risk for these outcomes.

(Anesthesiology 2017;127:625–632) Increased rate of cesarean delivery without measurable improvements in maternal or neonatal outcomes is a major public health problem. Breech presentation is a major contributor to the incidence of cesarean delivery and can be prevented by external cephalic version (ECV). Neuraxial blockade for ECV improves maternal satisfaction and procedural success and decreases maternal pain. Meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials suggests that administering higher doses of local anesthetic (LA) for neuraxial block leads to increased ECV success, although the protocol for providing neuraxial blockade for this procedure has not yet been standardized.

No abstract

Adequate preparation and a team approach will provide optimal care for a pregnant patient who has an allergic reaction to a contrast agent.