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Poor outcome following epidural abscess complicating epidural analgesia for labour

P R Evans1, U Misra

  • 1Department of Anaesthesia, Sunderland Royal Hospital, Kayll Road, Sunderland, Tyne and Wear SR4 7TP, UK. david.graham@cjs.northy.nhs.uk

European Journal of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology
|June 24, 2003
PubMed

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.

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