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Caudal Analgesia for Quadruplet Delivery

*Associate Professor of Clinical Anesthesiology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine; Director of Obstetric Anesthesia, Magee-Womens Hospital, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213.

Abstract

During the period January 1969 to November 1974 in a total of 39,800 deliveries, there were two sets of quadruplets. Both parturients had been taking ovulation-inducing drugs. Maternal problems were distended abdomen and heavy uterus, causing supine hypotension and lordosis; toxemia of pregnancy; increased possibility of hemorrhage before, during and/or after delivery; edema of the back; mental depression. The fetal problems were prematurity; intrauterine growth retardation; increased possibility of transfusion syndrome and prolapsed cord; increased obstetric manipulation.

An adequate number of obstetricians, pediatricians, anesthesiologists, and nurses, necessary equipment, and blood and blood components should be available. Early hospitalization is necessary. Close observation of the patient before, during, and after delivery is essential. The patient should stay on her side throughout labor. General anesthesia may add to fetal depression and increase the possibility of uterine atony. Spinal or lumbar epidural anesthesia may be difficult because of the associated lordosis and back edema. Caudal block allowed intrauterine manipulation, provided adequate analgesia, permitted high FIO₂ administration, and did not interfere with voluntary bearing down when required.