title: Epidural complications and a case of malignant meningitis.
abstract: We report a case in which the signs of a malignant meningitis could have been confused with complications of an in-dwelling epidural catheter which was being used for analgesia. This confusion could have had disastrous implications for the patient's pain relief. We also discuss some of the issues and problems surrounding the use of in-dwelling epidurals in terminal care patients.
authors.affiliation: Pembridge Palliative Care Centre, St Charles Hospital, London.
authors.forename: A L
authors.initials: AL
authors.lastname: Jennings
authors.forename: M P
authors.initials: MP
authors.lastname: Rothwell
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Naysmith
mesh_terms: D015360:Analgesia, Epidural / Q000009:adverse effects*; D002408:Catheters, Indwelling / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D003951:Diagnostic Errors; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D003932:Heroin / Q000008:administration & dosage; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008581:Meningitis / Q000175:diagnosis*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009294:Narcotics / Q000008:administration & dosage; D010148:Intractable Pain / Q000209:etiology*; D010166:Palliative Care
chemical_list: D009294:Narcotics; D003932:Heroin