title: The risk of infection associated with epidural analgesia.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Schumpert Medical Center, Shreveport, LA 71101, USA.
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Brooks
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Pasero
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Hubbard
authors.forename: R H
authors.initials: RH
authors.lastname: Coghlan
mesh_terms: 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