The effect of sterile water blocks on low back pain labor
Article Abstract:
Almost one-third of women develop severe, persistent, low back pain during labor and many other women feel the pain of uterine contractions in the back. This pain can be reduced by various methods, including nerve stimulation, local anesthesia, and injection of procaine hydrochloride (Novocain) into the skin and underlying tissue. Ureteral colic, or pain arising from the ureter (a tube-like passage connecting each kidney to the bladder) was shown to be relieved by sterile water blocks, or the injection of small amounts of sterile water into the inner layer of the skin. The effectiveness of using sterile water blocks to relieve low back labor pain was assessed and compared with isotonic saline solution, a physiological salt solution. The study included 272 women who complained of severe low back pain during labor. The intensity of pain was determined before treatment by a visual scoring system, and again one and two hours after treatment was initiated. Some women were treated with sterile water blocks, while others received isotonic saline solution. The women were similar in age, number of pregnancies, progression of labor, and initial degree of pain; fetuses were of similar size. Sterile water blocks caused more analgesia, or pain relief, than isotonic saline solution, and they did not cause adverse effects. The sterile water blocks were also well tolerated. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0002-9378
Year: 1991
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The appendix as the cause of chronic lower abdominal pain
Article Abstract:
The appendix should be considered as a possible cause in women experiencing chronic abdominal pain. Sixty-three patients ranging in age from 14 to 44 had experienced abdominal pain for longer than six months. All had pain in the right lower quadrant, while some also had pain in the middle or left lower quadrants. Thirty-seven percent had nausea after meals and 21% had daily diarrhea. All but six had undergone laparoscopy. Three of the six underwent hysterectomy and three had right ovarian cystectomy. After referral, another laparoscopy was done. The appendix seemed abnormal in all cases and was removed. This resulted in complete pain relief in 89% of patients and relief except for rare twinges in another 6%. The 5% who obtained no relief were the only ones in which no pathology was found in the excised appendix. Surgeons often reject removal of an appendix that is not acutely inflamed, believing, incorrectly, that the pain is psychosomatic and that surgery introduces risk.
Publication Name: American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0002-9378
Year: 1995
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Fetal methemoglobinemia: a cause of nonimmune hydrops fetalis
Article Abstract:
Combustion gas poisoning may severely harm a fetus even if the mother recovers and shows no signs of methemoglobinemia. Methemoglobinemia is the presence of high levels of methemoglobin in the blood which results in reduced hemoglobin and blood oxygenation. The case of an 18-year-old pregnant woman poisoned by a malfunctioning heater at about 17 weeks' gestation is presented. Ultrasound scans of the fetus performed after the incident, two, and three week later showed scalp and body swelling, and no fetal movement. Fetal anemia was detected and a blood transfusion suggested, but the parents refused the treatment and asked for termination of the pregnancy. Postmortem blood samples showed high levels of methemoglobin. Researchers believe the severe anemia was caused by methemoglobinemia. Fetuses may be more susceptible to nitrogen oxides than adults.
Publication Name: American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0002-9378
Year: 1995
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