Obesity in obstetric anesthesia: A systematic review

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Anesthesiology

Background:

• Maternal obesity is a growing global health concern.
• It presents significant challenges in anesthetic management during pregnancy.
• Obesity impacts neonatal, cardiovascular, airway, neuraxial, and procedural aspects of care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review evidence on the impact of elevated maternal body mass index (BMI) on perioperative care.
• To synthesize information on anesthetic modalities and efficacy in pregnant patients with obesity.
• To provide anesthesiologists and obstetricians with best practices for managing these patients.

Main Methods:

• This is a review synthesizing existing evidence.
• Clinical recommendations are based on current research.
• Evidence levels and recommendations were evaluated using the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine criteria.

Main Results:

• Elevated maternal BMI affects perioperative evaluations, risks, complications, and outcomes.
• Anesthetic management requires tailored, evidence-based strategies.
• Specific considerations exist for neonatal, cardiovascular, airway, and neuraxial domains.

Conclusions:

• Anesthesiologists must refine clinical practices for pregnant patients with obesity.
• Tailored, evidence-based strategies are crucial for mitigating risks.
• Improving patient outcomes requires updated knowledge and best practices in obstetric anesthesia.