Background Scheduled cesarean section is routinely performed under spinal anesthesia using hyperbaric bupivacaine. The current study was undertaken to determine the clinically relevant 95% effective dose of intrathecal 2% hyperbaric prilocaine co-administered with sufentanil for scheduled cesarean section, using continual reassessment method. Methods We conducted a dose-response, prospective, double-blinded study to determine the ED95 values of intrathecal hyperbaric prilocaine used with 2,5 mcg of sufentanil and 100 mcg of morphine for cesarean delivery. Each parturient enrolled in the study received an intrathecal dose of hyperbaric prilocaine determined by the CRM and the success or failure of the block was assessed as being the primary endpoint. Results The doses given for each cohort varied from 35 to 50 mg of HP, according to the CRM, with a final ED95 lying between 45 and 50 mg of Prilocaine after completion of the 10 cohorts. Few side effects were reported and patients were globally satisfied. Conclusions The ED95 of intrathecal hyperbaric prilocaine with sufentanil 2.5 μg and morphine 100 μg for elective cesarean delivery was found to be between 45 and 50 mg. It may be an interesting alternative to other long-lasting local anesthetics in this context. Trial registration The study was registered on January 30, 2017 – retrospectively registered – and results posted at the public database clinicaltrials.gov (NCT03036384).

BACKGROUND Elective caesarean section is performed mainly under spinal anaesthesia using hyperbaric bupivacaine combined with opioids. Despite rapid onset, good quality anaesthesia, bupivacaine provides a long duration of motor block and is related to maternal hypotension. Current policies appeal for implementation of enhanced recovery procedures after caesarean section. Hyperbaric prilocaine is an intermediate-acting local anaesthetic known for its efficacy in ambulatory surgery. Evidence on the clinical relevance of intrathecal prilocaine use for caesarean section is currently lacking.OBJECTIVES We aimed to investigate whether hyperbaric prilocaine would offer a shorter motor block and recovery than bupivacaine, when comparing equipotent doses. We also assessed the characteristics of sensory block, maternal haemodynamics and side effects for both mother and newborn.DESIGN Prospective, randomised, double-blind, controlled, two-centre, clinical trial.SETTING One university teaching hospital and one general teaching hospital in Brussels, Belgium.PATIENTS American Society of Anesthesiologists' physical status 2 parturients (n ¼ 40) undergoing caesarean section under spinal anaesthesia.INTERVENTIONS Patients were randomly assigned to receive spinal anaesthesia using hyperbaric prilocaine 50 mg or hyperbaric bupivacaine 10 mg, both given with sufentanil 2.5 mg and morphine 100 mg. An epidural catheter was introduced as a backup in case of failure.MAIN OUTCOMES The primary outcome was the motor block regression (modified Bromage scale 1 to 6). Secondary outcomes included sensory block characteristics, first unassisted ambulation, maternal side effects, newborns' parameters and overall satisfaction.RESULTS Median [IQR] motor block was significantly shorter in the hyperbaric prilocaine group (110 [104 to 150] min versus 175 [135 to 189] min, P ¼ 0.001). First unassisted ambulation was achieved earlier after prilocaine (204.5 [177 to 246.5] min versus 314 [209.25 to 400] min, P ¼ 0.007), and the incidence of maternal hypotension was significantly higher with bupivacaine (P ¼ 0.033). No supplementary epidural analgesia was needed.CONCLUSION Prilocaine provides shorter motor block, faster recovery and better haemodynamic stability than bupivacaine while offering equivalent surgical anaesthesia.

Acute fatty liver of pregnancy (AFLP) is a rare but dramatic condition associated with a high maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. We present a short review of AFLP management, illustrated by a case report. We conducted a systematic literature search for ‘acute fatty liver of pregnancy’, concerning its management. We found initially 11 studies, and three of them met the selection criteria. Prompt diagnosis, maternal stabilisation and rapid delivery are mandatory. This illustrative AFLP case fulfilled nine out of 14 Swansea criteria. Caesarean section is often required (as illustrated in this case), reducing maternal and perinatal mortality rates.