Epidural analgesia for treatment of a sickle cell crisis during pregnancy

Abigail D. Winder, Stacie Johnson, Jamie Murphy, Robert M. Ehsanipoor

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

9 Scopus citations

Abstract

BACKGROUND: More than 50% of obstetric patients with sickle cell disease will have a pain crisis during pregnancy, and the management of these cases can be challenging. CASE: A 20-year-old African American with sickle cell disease presented at 29 4/7 weeks of gestation with severe, debilitating leg and back pain. Large doses of intravenous narcotics did not result in significant pain relief, so a lumbar epidural was placed. This resulted in complete pain relief within several minutes. The patient's symptoms resolved over several days and after a short course of narcotics she was discharged to home, and the remainder of her pregnancy was uncomplicated. CONCLUSION: Epidural anesthesia should be considered as a potentially effective treatment for a severe sickle cell crisis in obstetric patients.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)495-497
Number of pages3
JournalObstetrics and gynecology
Volume118
Issue number2 PART 2
DOIs
StatePublished - Aug 2011

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Obstetrics and Gynecology

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