Epidural Labor Analgesia for a Patient with Neuromyelitis Optica: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Alexandra Chang, Brian Chung, Rashmi Vandse

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Neuromyelitis optica (NMO) is a rare demyelinating disorder affecting the spinal cord and optic nerves. Like multiple sclerosis (MS), it predominantly affects women during childbearing years. The impact of neuraxial anesthesia on the course of NMO is uncertain. There are no large studies available to draw definitive conclusions regarding the safety of neuraxial anesthesia in this population. A review of the current literature suggests that neuraxial anesthesia is unlikely to exacerbate neurologic symptoms in pregnant patients with NMO. However, given the rarity of this disease entity among patients requesting epidural labor analgesia, we recommend taking a cautious approach.
Original languageAmerican English
JournalCase reports in anesthesiology
Volume2018
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 4 2018

Disciplines

  • Pediatrics
  • Medicine and Health Sciences

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