Hyperventilation-induced unconsciousness during labour.
We report the development of unconsciousness caused by hyperventilation in an otherwise healthy woman in labour. Extradural analgesia resulted in restoration of full consciousness and normal respiratory state. The pathophysiology of hyperventilation and aspects of respiratory physiology in pregnancy are discussed.
Burden
R J
RJ
Shackleton Department of Anaesthesia, Southampton General Hospital.
Janke
E L
EL
Brighouse
D
D
D000328:Adult; D015360:Analgesia, Epidural; D016362:Analgesia, Obstetrical; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007040:Hypoventilation / Q000150:complications* / Q000628:therapy; D007744:Obstetric Labor Complications / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D011247:Pregnancy; D014474:Unconsciousness / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy