Neurotoxic Myelitis Following Accidental Epidural Injection of Chlorhexidine During Obstetric Epidural Anesthesia: A
Badie Douqchi1, Omar Alaoui Mhammedi1, Doaae El Ouaddane1
1Department of Anesthesia and Reanimation, Mohammed VI University Hospital, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Mohammed First University, Oujda, MAR.
Abstract:
We report a case of neurotoxic myelitis following the accidental epidural injection of chlorhexidine during obstetric anesthesia at a peripheral hospital. A 32-year-old parturient in labor received an epidural catheter for vaginal delivery, during which 3 mL of chlorhexidine was mistakenly injected into the epidural space. This led to progressive paraplegia, severe headaches, and respiratory distress requiring intubation. The patient was subsequently transferred to our anesthesia and critical care department for further management. Radiological findings revealed centromedullary edema and myelitis. Her condition improved with steroid therapy to reduce the inflammatory response, along with strict monitoring. Paraplegia nearly resolved within 72 hours, with complete functional recovery one week later. This study highlights the serious risks of accidental intrathecal drug administration and underscores the need for heightened vigilance and safety measures in anesthesia practice.
Related Concept Videos
Local Anesthetics: Clinical Application as Epidural Anesthesia
Since epidural anesthetics can be infused through an epidural catheter, all types of drugs, including short-acting ones, can be administered. Chloroprocaine and lidocaine are examples of short and long-duration anesthetics, respectively. Bupivacaine...
Local Anesthetics: Clinical Application as Spinal Anesthesia
Local Anesthetics: Adverse Effects
Once absorbed into the systemic circulation, local anesthetics can affect the organs that depend on the functioning of sodium...
Depolarizing Blockers: Pharmocokinetics
Local Anesthetics: Clinical Application as Intravenous Regional Anesthesia
One of the advantages of...
Parenteral Anesthetics: Overview


