Abstract
The safety of epidural anaesthesia in patients with active, recurrent genital herpes simplex (HSV) infections is controversial. We reviewed the sixyear experience of the use of epidural anaesthesia in this patient population in two institutions. Eightynine parturients with active genital HSV were administered epidural anaesthesia for Caesarean section. No patient suffered an adverse outcome related to either the anaesthetic or the virus. The theoretical risks of regional anaesthesia in the parturient with active herpes genitalis are reviewed. We conclude from available data that the risk of an adverse outcome is small and does not contraindicate the use of epidural anaesthesia in patients with recurrent infection.
Résumé
La sécurilé de l’anesthésie épidurale chez des patientes atteintes d’herpès génital en phase active (HSV) est controversée. On a revu l’expérience de six ans d’administration d’anesthésie épidurale chez une population de patientes dans deux institutions. Quatre-vingt-neuf patientes ayant un herpès génital actif ont subi une anesthésie épidurale pour césarienne. Aucune patiente n’a souffert d’un effet secondaire relié soil à l’agent anesthésique ou le virus. Les risques théoriques de l’anesthésie régionale chez les patientes ayant un herpès génital actif sont revus. On conclut à partir des données, disponibles que le risque d’un effet secondaire est minime et ne représente pas une contre-indication à l’utilisation de l’anesthésie épidurale chez les patientes ayant une infection herpétique génitale récurrente.
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Crosby, E.T., Halpern, S.H. & Rolbin, S.H. Epidural anaesthesia for Caesarean section in patients with active recurrent genital herpes simplex infections: a retrospective review. Can J Anaesth 36, 701–704 (1989). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03005425
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03005425