The risk of infection associated with epidural analgesia.
Four infections were identified among 4,832 patients receiving epidural analgesia (an attack rate of 0.08%). The infections involved cesarean-section patients and occurred within a 9-month period. Findings suggest that the risk of infection is decreased by maintaining a closed system for the duration of the analgesia course.
Brooks
K
K
Schumpert Medical Center, Shreveport, LA 71101, USA.
Pasero
C
C
Hubbard
L
L
Coghlan
R H
RH
D015360:Analgesia, Epidural / Q000009:adverse effects*; D016362:Analgesia, Obstetrical / Q000009:adverse effects*; D002408:Catheters, Indwelling / Q000382:microbiology*; D002585:Cesarean Section / Q000009:adverse effects; D003428:Cross Infection / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000382:microbiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D004866:Equipment Contamination / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D017053:Infection Control / Q000458:organization & administration; D011247:Pregnancy; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D013203:Staphylococcal Infections / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control