title: Neuraxial labor analgesia in an obese parturient with influenza A H1N1.
abstract: We describe the use of epidural analgesia in a 39-year-old G2P1 parturient presenting at 38(+6) weeks estimated gestation with confirmed influenza A H1N1 and superimposed bilateral pneumonia. Although the patient had an uncomplicated intra- and post-partum course, little is known about the safety of performing neuraxial analgesia or anesthesia in patients with influenza. The prevalence of viremia and possible translocation of blood-borne virus to the central nervous system are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Departments of Anesthesiology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois 60611, USA. amy-lee@northwestern.edu
authors.forename: A I
authors.initials: AI
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: M J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Hoffman
authors.forename: N N
authors.initials: NN
authors.lastname: Allen
authors.forename: J T
authors.initials: JT
authors.lastname: Sullivan
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D015360:Analgesia, Epidural / Q000379:methods*; D016362:Analgesia, Obstetrical / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D053118:Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype; D007251:Influenza, Human / Q000150:complications*; D009765:Obesity / Q000150:complications*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011251:Pregnancy Complications, Infectious; D016896:Treatment Outcome