title: [Regional anesthesia in patients with pre-existing infections or immunosuppression].
abstract: Regional anesthesia is the most effective procedure for acute pain therapy. Whether neuraxial and peripheral blocks in patients with pre-existing infectious conditions, immune deficits or other risk factors increase the risk of additional infections is unclear. Analyzing the available literature currently seems to indicate that the incidence of severe infectious complications is generally low. Diabetes, steroid therapy or malignant diseases are apparently present in many cases in which infections associated with regional anesthesia and analgesia have been described. A strict contraindication in patients with pre-existing systemic or local infections seems unjustifiable. A clear and documented risk-benefit ratio in these patients is mandatory.
authors.affiliation: Klinik für Anästhesiologie, Intensivmedizin und Schmerztherapie, Universitätsklinikum des Saarlandes, Gebäude 57, 66421, Homburg, Deutschland. Franka.list@uks.eu
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: List
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Kessler
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Volk
mesh_terms: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000765:Anesthesia, Conduction / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000767:Anesthesia, Epidural; D016470:Bacteremia / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy; D002908:Chronic Disease; D006566:Herpesviridae Infections / Q000150:complications; D006801:Humans; D007154:Immune System Diseases / Q000150:complications; D007165:Immunosuppression Therapy; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D017053:Infection Control; D007239:Infections / Q000150:complications* / Q000209:etiology*; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000150:complications; D010146:Pain / Q000209:etiology; D059408:Pain Management / Q000379:methods
chemical_list: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents