Poor outcome following epidural abscess complicating epidural analgesia for labour.
Abscess is a rare complication of epidural analgesia that may occur post-partum. A case is described where a lumbar epidural abscess initially presented with back and leg pain 7 days after seemingly uneventful block for labour and forceps delivery of twins. Definitive diagnosis of abscess was delayed until 5 days later when neurological sequelae became apparent. Despite surgical evacuation, recovery was delayed and incomplete. The importance of prompt diagnosis and the involvement of anaesthetic personnel are emphasised.
Evans
P R
PR
Department of Anaesthesia, Sunderland Royal Hospital, Kayll Road, Sunderland, Tyne and Wear SR4 7TP, UK. david.graham@cjs.northy.nhs.uk
Misra
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D000328:Adult; D015360:Analgesia, Epidural / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002045:Bupivacaine / Q000008:administration & dosage; D020802:Epidural Abscess / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D005283:Fentanyl / Q000008:administration & dosage; D006801:Humans; D007743:Labor, Obstetric; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D011247:Pregnancy; D011272:Pregnancy, Multiple; D013203:Staphylococcal Infections / Q000188:drug therapy; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014427:Twins
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D005283:Fentanyl; D002045:Bupivacaine