Vasopressor hormone response following mesenteric traction during major abdominal surgery

Background : We investigated the vasopressor hormone response following mesenteric traction (MT) with hypotension due to prostacyclin (PGI₂) release in patients undergoing abdominal surgery with a combined general and epidural anesthesia. Methods : In a prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled study we administered 400 mg ibuprofen (i.v.) in 42 patients scheduled for abdominal surgery. General anesthesia was combined with epidural anesthesia (T4-L1). Before as well as 5, 15, 30, 45, and 90 min after MT we recorded plasma osmolality, hemodynamics and measured 6-keto-PGFlα (stabile metabolite of PGI₂), TXB₂ (stabile metabolite of thromboxane A₂) active renin, and arginine vasopressin (AVP) plasma concentrations by radioimmunoassay. Catecholamine levels were assessed by high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) with electrochemical detection. Results : Following MT, arterial hypotension occurred along with a substantial PGI₂ release. This was completely abolished by ibuprofen administration. Although plasma levels of 6-keto-PGF_1α (1133 (708) vs. 60 (3) ng/L, median (median absolute deviation), P=0.0001, placebo vs. ibuprofen) remained significantly elevated, blood pressure was restored within 30 min after MT in the placebo group. At the same point in time plasma concentrations of TXB² (164 (87) vs. 58 (1) ng/L, P=0.0001), epinephrine (46 (33) vs. 14 (6) ng/L, P=0.001), AVP (41 ± (18) vs. 12 (7) ng/L, P=0.0004), and active renin (27 (12) vs. 12 (4) ng/L, P = 0.001) were significantly higher in placebo-treated patients. Conclusion : Under combined general and epidural anesthesia arterial hypotension following MT due to endogenous PGI₂ release is associated with enhanced release of AVP, active renin, epinephrine and thromboxane A₂, presumably contributing to hemodynamic stability within 30 min after MT.     

Microspheres Based Detoxification System: A New Method in Convective Blood Purification

Abstract: A variety of protein-bound or hydrophobic substances, accumulating as a result of pathologic conditions such as exogenous or endogenous intoxications, are removed poorly by conventional detoxification methods because of low accessibility (hemodialysis), insufficient adsorption capabilities (hemosorption), low efficiency (peritoneal dialysis), or economic limitations (high-volume plasmapheresis). Combining advantages of existing methods with microspheric technology, a module-based system was designed. Major operating parameters of the latter can be modified to allow for adjustment to individual clinical situations. An extracorporeal blood circuit including a plasmafilter is combined with a secondary high-velocity plasma circuit driven by a centrifugal pump. Different microspheric adsorbers can be combined in one circuit or applied in sequence. Thus, a prolonged treatment can be tailored using specially designed selective adsorber materials. Comparing this system with existing methods (high-flux hemodialysis, molecular adsorbent recycling system), results from our in vitro studies and animal experiments demonstrate the superior efficiency of substance removal.     

Bariatric Surgery in Some "Central and East-European (former Eastern bloc)"Countries - Current Status and Prediction for the Next Millennium

Background: Obesity is increasing globallly, including in the formerly "Eastern Bloc" countries. Methods: A survey was made of obesity and bariatric surgery. Results: In the 8 East and Central European countries studied, with total population 300 million, roughly 43% of the population was overweight (BMI 25-30), 23% obese (BMI > 30), with about 15 million people morbidly obese (BMI > 40). From 0-10 morbidly obese individuals/100,000/year undergo bariatric surgery. Conclusion: Most countries were found to provide inadequate treatment for obesity.The majority of the morbidly obese are not treated effectively. However, health-care awareness of obesity and bariatric surgeons are slowly increasing.     

Synergistic interaction between the effects of propofol and midazolam with fentanyl on phrenic nerve activity in rabbits

Background: It has been shown that the depressive effects of both propofol and midazolam on consciousness are synergistic with opioids, but the nature of their interactions on other physiological systems, e. g. respiration, has not been fully investigated. The present study examined the effect of propofol and midazolam alone and in combination with fentanyl on phrenic nerve activity (PNA) and whether such interactions are additive or synergistic. Methods: PNA was recorded in 27 anaesthetised and artificially ventilated rabbits. In three groups, propofol, fentanyl and midazolam were administered intravenously in incremental doses to construct dose-response curves for the depressant effects of each one on PNA. In another two groups, the effect of pretreatment with either fentanyl 1 μg · kg^?1 i. v. or midazolam 0.05 mg · kg^?1 i. v. on the effects of propofol and fentanyl respectively on PNA were studied. Results: Propofol and fentanyl caused a dose-dependent depression of PNA with complete abolition at the highest total doses of 16 mg · kg^?1 i. v. and 32 μg · kg^?1 i. v., respectively. In contrast, midazolam in incremental doses to a total of 0.8 mg · kg^?1 reduced mean PNA by 63%, but approximately 12% of PNA remained at a total dose as high as 6.4 mg · kg^?1. The mean ED₅₀s, calculated from dose-response curves, were 5.4 mg · kg^?1, 3.9 μg · kg^?1 and 0.4 mg · kg^?1 for propofol, fentanyl and midazolam, respectively. Initial doses of either fentanyl 1 μg · kg^?1 i. v. or midazolam 0.05 mg · kg^?1 i. v. acted synergistically with subsequent doses of either propofol or fentanyl to abolish PNA at total doses of 8 mg · kg^?1 and 8 μg · kg^?1, respectively. Conclusion: Fentanyl has a synergistic interaction with both propofol and midazolam on PNA and hence potentially on respiration.     

Influence of dopexamine hydrochloride on haemodynamics and regulators of circulation in patients undergoing major abdominal surgery

Background: Catecholaminergic support is often used to improve haemodynamics in patients undergoing major abdominal surgery. Dopexamine is a synthetic vasoactive catecholamine with beneficial microcirculatory properties. Methods: The influence of perioperative administration of dopexamine on cardiorespiratory data and important regulators of macro- and microcirculation were studied in 30 patients undergoing Whipple pancreaticduodenectomy. The patients received randomized and blinded either 2 μg · kg^?1 · min^?1 of dopexamine (n=15) or placebo (n=15, control group). The infusion was started after induction of anaesthesia and continued until the morning of the first postoperative day. Endothelin-1 (ET-1), vasopressin, atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), and catecholamine plasma levels were measured from arterial blood samples. Measurements were carried out after induction of anaesthesia, 2 h after onset of surgery, at the end of surgery, 2 h after surgery, and on the morning of the first postoperative day. Results: Cardiac index (CI) increased significantly in the dopexamine group (from 2.61±0.41 to 4.57±0.78 1 · min^?1 · m^?2) and remained elevated until the morning of the first postoperative day. Oxygen delivery index (DO₂I) and oxygen consumption index (VO₂I) were also significantly increased in the dopexamine group (DO₂I: from 416±91 to 717±110 ml/m² · m²; VO₂I: from 98±25 to 157±22 ml/m² · m²), being significantly higher than in the control group. pHi remained stable only in the dopexamine patients, indicating adequate splanchnic perfusion. Vasopressive regulators of circulation increased significantly only in the untreated control patients (vasopressin: from 4.37±1.1 to 35.9±12.1 pg/ml; ET-1: from 2.88±0.91 to 6.91±1.20 pg/ml). Conclusion: Patients undergoing major abdominal surgery may profit from prophylactic perioperative administration of dopexamine hydrochloride in the form of improved haemodynamics and oxygenation as well as beneficial influence on important regulators of organ blood flow.     

Systemic analgesia adapted to the children's condition

A concept of balanced analgesia using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), paracetamol (acetaminophen), opioids, and corticosteroids can also be used in patients with pre-existing illnesses. NSAIDs are the most effective treatment for acute pain of moderate intensity in children; however, these drugs should be avoided in patients at increased risk for serious side effects, e.g. patients with renal impairment, bleeding tendency, or extreme prematurity. NSAIDs can be given with minimal risks to the younger child with mild to moderate asthma, and, in these patients, the use of steroids can be encouraged; in addition to their antiemetic and analgesic action, a beneficial effect on asthma symptoms can be expected. In the non-intubated child with cerebral trauma, exaggerated sedation caused by opioids and increased bleeding tendency caused by NSAIDs must be avoided. In neonates and small infants, the oral administration of sucrose or glucose is helpful to minimize pain reaction during short uncomfortable interventions.     

Intraoperative autotransfusion is associated with modest reduction of allogeneic transfusion in prosthetic hip surgery

Background: The efficacy of intraoperative salvage and washing of wound blood and the predictors of allogeneic red cell transfusions in prosthetic hip surgery are insufficiently known.
Methods: In 96 patients, undergoing primary or revision surgery, salvaged and washed red cells and, if necessary, allogeneic blood were used to keep haematocrit not lower than 33%. The bleeding of red cells during hospital stay was calculated from the red cell balance. The preoperative red cell reserve (millilitres of red cells in excess of a haematocrit of 33%) was estimated and the difference between this volume and the total bleeding of red cells was retrospectively used to classify patients with regard to the need for red cells. Stepwise regression analysis was used to define patient-related variables associated with allogeneic blood transfusion.
Results: Preoperative knowledge of the type of operation (primary, revision), the preoperative red cell reserve, and the body mass could predict roughly half of the need for banked blood (r²=0.45). Only one-third of the total bleeding of red cells was retransfused. For complete avoidance of allogeneic blood, autotransfusion was most effective in patients with a moderate need (0–4 u). However, 32% of such patients required allogeneic blood.
Conclusions: Autotransfusion has a limited efficacy to decrease the need for allogeneic blood, and other blood-saving methods should be added for this purpose. It is difficult to predict the need for allogeneic blood preoperatively.     

缺氧对肾小管上皮细胞分泌外泌体的影响

目的    观察缺氧对肾小管上皮细胞分泌外泌体的影响,探讨外泌体在缺氧致肾脏损伤中的作用及机制。 方法    （1）常氧（21% O₂）及缺氧（1% O₂）分别处理大鼠肾小管上皮细胞（NRK-52E）48 h,收集细胞上清液并使用高速梯度离心法分离外泌体。采用透射电镜、纳米示踪分析、Western印迹、蛋白浓度定量鉴定并比较两组外泌体的基本特性。（2）在共培养实验中,以不同浓度（1、10、50、100、300 mg/L）的常氧外泌体、缺氧外泌体分别干预脂多糖（LPS）诱导的大鼠原代腹腔巨噬细胞,使用实时荧光定量PCR与酶联免疫吸附试验（ELISA）法分别检测巨噬细胞白细胞介素6（IL-6）、肿瘤坏死因子α（TNF-α）、诱导型氮氧化物合酶（iNOS）水平;使用Western印迹法检测巨噬细胞磷酸化（p）STAT/STAT及细胞因子信号传导抑制蛋白1（SOCS1）的蛋白表达;最后,使用实时荧光定量PCR法检测常氧外泌体与缺氧外泌体中炎性反应相关微RNA（microRNA,miR）的表达差异。 结果    （1）离心得到的囊泡具有外泌体典型的结构,粒径小于150 nm,表达外泌体标志蛋白CD63,说明分离得到外泌体。缺氧对肾小管上皮细胞分泌的外泌体形态、粒径分布比例无明显影响,但提高了外泌体的分泌量。（2）缺氧外泌体相比于常氧外泌体促进了LPS诱导的M1型巨噬细胞IL-6、TNF-α、iNOS 的表达和分泌（均P＜0.01）,同时提高STAT的磷酸化水平并减少SOCS1的蛋白表达（均P＜0.01）;对炎性反应相关microRNA检测发现缺氧外泌体中miR-155、miR-27a表达量较常氧外泌体明显升高（P＜0.05）。 结论    缺氧可改变外泌体的生物学功能,表现为协同促进LPS诱导的M1型巨噬细胞的表型转化,这可能是慢性肾脏病微炎性反应状态持续的原因之一。     

In Vitro Function and Durability Assessment of a Novel Polyurethane Heart Valve Prosthesis

Abstract While flexible-leaflet, central-flow prosthetic heart valves promise relief from anticoagulation therapy, they continue to be restricted by inadequate durability. In consequence, a novel trileaflet valve, made entirely from polyurethane, has been developed. A batch of 6 consecutively manufactured polyurethane valves was subjected to hydrodynamic function and accelerated fatigue testing. Computerized data acquisition and control systems have been introduced to improve valve testing methodologies. In terms of hydrodynamic function, the polyurethane valve demonstrates transvalvular pressure gradients similar to those for a bioprosthetic valve (Carpentier-Edwards) and levels of retrograde flow significantly less than those for either the bioprosthetic valve or a bileaflet mechanical valve (St Jude Medical). The equivalent of 10 years of cycling without failure has been exceeded by all 6 polyurethane valves in accelerated fatigue tests with 2 valves remaining intact after 674 million cycles (equivalent to approximately 17 years) in continuing tests. Highspeed photography revealed considerable differences in leaflet motion between valves cycled at accelerated and physiological rates.     

Negative pressure ventilation vs. spontaneous assisted ventilation during rigid bronchoscopy: A controlled randomised trial

Background: Ventilation during interventional rigid bronchoscopy (IRB) under general anaesthesia (jet ventilation, positive pressure ventilation and spontaneous assisted ventilation) may offer some difficulties. This study compares the effectiveness during IRB of intermittent negative pressure ventilation (INPV) and spontaneous assisted ventilation (SAV). Methods: Thirty-eight patients submitted to IRB were randomised into two groups: SAV or INPV. All patients received a total intravenous anaesthesia; INPV patients were paralysed. Pre-and intra-operative arterial blood gases and O₂ flow through a rigid bronchoscope were assessed. The endoscopist applying a subjective score evaluated the operating conditions. Results: Patients of the INPV group, as compared to the SAV group, required a lower dosage of fentanyl (2.6 ± 1.8 (μg · kg^?1· h^?1 vs. 6.6 ± 4.8 μg · kg^?1· h^?1), a lower O₂ supply (3.3 ± 2.8 1/min vs. 11.6 ± 3.4 1/min), a shorter recovery time (5.4 ± 2.9 min vs. 9.8 ± 7.1 min) and no manually assisted ventilation (0 ± 0 vs. 1 ± 1.1 nd?/procedure). Intraoperative PaCO₂ was higher in the SAV (8.1 ± 1.3 kPa) than in the INPV group (5.0 ± 1.6 kPa) and intraoperative pH differed in the two groups (7.26 ± 0.05, SAV vs. 7.47 ± 0.08, INPV). Operating conditions, as assessed by a subjective score, were considered better with INPV than with SAV (4.9 vs. 4.3). Conclusions: As compared to SAV, INPV in paralysed patients during IRB reduces administration of opioids, shortens recovery time, prevents respiratory acidosis, excludes the need for manually assisted ventilation, reduces 02 need and affords optimal surgical conditions. INPV appears a safe, non-invasive and effective ventilatory management during IRB.     

Akutes Abdomen

Zusammenfassung Die Effizienz der Sonographie als diagnostisches Hilfsmittel der ersten Ebene wurde an einer auslesefreien, prospektiv erfa?ten Gruppe von 155 Patienten überprüft, die wegen „akuten Abdomens” zugewiesen wurden. In 83,2% wurde die Diagnose erstellt; in 5.8% waren indirekte sonographische Hinweise auf das vorliegende Krankheitsbild fa?bar; in 10,3% wurde ein falsch negativer, in 1 Fall ein falsch positiver Befund erhoben. Die volle Aussch?pfung dieses akutdiagnostischen Potentials setzt eine Organisationsform voraus, die das Ger?t und den Untersucher an den Akutpatienten heranbringt; eine zentrale Anordnung der Untersuchungseinheit mu? an dieser Aufgabestellung vorbeigehen.

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Acute abdomen—Efficacy of sonography as first-echalon diagnostic procedure

Summary The efficacy of sonography as a first-echalon diagnostic procedure was prospectively assessed in an unselected series of 155 patients admitted for acute abdominal disorders of unknown origin. In 83.2% sonography immediately yielded the correct diagnosis; in 5.8% indirect sonographic criteria related to the underlying disease were detected; in 10.3% false negative diagnosis, in one case false positive diagnosis was established. In our experience immediate availability of sonographic examinations in the emergency room as well as at the bed-side is a prerogative of patient benefit.

     

The hand in systemic diseases other than rheumatoid arthritis

This review outlines the skin, vascular and musculoskeletal symptoms affecting the hand during systemic inflammatory diseases other than rheumatoid arthritis. Skin lesions are diagnosed clinically and their symptomatology is documented through an extensive series of photographs. These conditions may require specific care before a surgical procedure can be performed. Vascular lesions are also diagnosed clinically and their symptomatology is described in detail. It is important to recognize that acrocyanosis is always benign. The surgeon should be able to distinguish between primary, but benign Raynaud's disease and secondary Raynaud's syndrome, which has a high risk of finger necrosis. Current preventative and curative treatments for finger necrosis are described. The clinical, radiological, progressive and therapeutic features of musculoskeletal lesions are reviewed, namely those associated with psoriatic arthritis, systemic sclerosis and lupus.     

Subchronic Centrifugal Mechanical Assist in an Unheparinized Calf Model

Abstract. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the major centrifugal pumps currently in use in the United States (Medtronic, BioMedicus BioPump and Carmeda-coated BioPump, Sams 3M centrifugal pump, and St. Jude Medical Lifestream) could function as left mechanical assist devices in the subchronic (72 h) unheparinized calf model. Calves were instrumented for left atrial to aorta ex vivo assist, and the pump flow was set at 3.5 ± 0.4 L/min. Two calves (Sarns 3M and St. Jude) survived 72 h of pumping without clinical complications. The other 2 calves died at 62 and 66 h (Medtronic Bio-Pump and Carmeda-coated BioPump, respectively); both had pelvic limb paralysis. The seal of the Sarns 3M pump head ruptured after approximately 36 h of pumping and required replacement. On postmortem examination, pump-associated thromboembolic lesions were detected in 3 of the 4 calves in one or more of the following organs: kidney, pancreas, abomasum, duodenum, ileum, spleen, and lumbar spinal cord. The calf with the Sarns 3M pump had no discernable lesions. Because of the clinical abnormalities and postmortem lesions in the unheparinized calf model, it was suggested that anticoagulation is necessary for conducting centrifugal mechanical assist studies in calves using presently available technology.     

Cutaneous Plasmacytosis Associated with Ehrlichiosis in an African-American Patient

Cutaneous plasmacytosis is a rare disease that presents clinically with multiple red-brown papules and plaques with minimal to no epidermal change. Histopathologic findings include a perivascular dermal infiltration of polyclonal plasma cells. The etiology of cutaneous plasmacytosis is unknown, but hypothesized to be due to persistent or repeated antigenic stimulation. Ehrlichia represents a family of obligate intracellular bacteria that have been associated with the development of plasma cell dyscrasias in the veterinary literature. We present a case of a 67-year-old male patient with the development of progressively worsening cutaneous plasmacytosis following prolonged hospitalization secondary to ehrlichiosis sepsis. The patient initially presented with isolated cutaneous involvement and normal laboratory findings that eventually progressed to include multiple laboratory abnormalities, including anemia, hyperproteinemia, and elevated serum creatinine. Further diagnostic workup was declined by the patient despite evidence of progression to systemic plasmacytosis or multiple myeloma.     

Phénotypage métabolique par résonance magnétique nucléaire pour l’évaluation périopératoire et en réanimation

Metabolic phenotyping consists in the identification of subtle and coordinated metabolic variations associated with various pathophysiological stimuli. Different analytical methods, such as nuclear magnetic resonance, allow the simultaneous quantification of a large number of metabolites. Statistical analyses of these spectra thus lead to the discrimination between samples and the identification of a metabolic phenotype corresponding to the effect under study. This approach allows the extraction of candidate biomarkers and the recovery of perturbed metabolic networks, driving to the generation of biochemical hypotheses (pathophysiological mechanisms, diagnostic tests, therapeutic targets…). Metabolic phenotyping could be useful in anaesthesiology and intensive care medicine for the evaluation, monitoring or diagnosis of life-threatening situations, to optimise patient managements. This review introduces the physical and statistical fundamentals of NMR-based metabolic phenotyping, describes the work already achieved by this approach in anaesthesiology and intensive care medicine. Finally, potential areas of interest are discussed for the perioperative and intensive management of patients, from newborns to adults.     

Risque allergique en anesthésie pédiatrique

Objectives

To propose the different modalities of management of the allergic risk occurring during paediatric anaesthesia.

Study design

Literature analysis.

Methods

Literature research using the Medline^® database and MeSH format according to keywords, including publications in French and English since 1982.

Results

The overall incidence for anaphylactic reactions was estimated at one in 7741 anaesthetic procedures during paediatric anaesthesia. Latex anaphylaxis was mostly involved with an incidence at one in 10,159 anesthetic procedures. The risk factors of latex sensitization are known. Primary latex prophylaxis is efficient in patients at risk of latex sensitization. In contrast to adults, neuromuscular blocking agents (NMBAs) are rarely involved in children, with an incidence at 1 in 81,275 anaesthetic procedures. The Ring and Messmer clinical scale allows quantifying the severity and helps managing the care of immediate hypersensitivity reactions. Clinical symptoms associate cardiovascular, respiratory and cutaneous-mucous signs according to different severity grades. Epinephrine associated to fluid loading, remains the first-line agent in case of severe reactions. The allergological assessment is key to the management of these reactions and is required in order to identify the mechanism of the reaction and the culprit drug or substance involved.

Conclusions

Allergic reactions to NMBAs occurring during paediatric anaesthesia are rare whereas those with latex are more frequent. Therefore, the reduction of the allergic risk during paediatric anaesthesia essentially requires a latex-free environment.     

Péridurale obstétricale : qualité de l’information médicale en français sur Internet en 2009 et 2010

Objective

The variability of the medical information available on the Internet (MedInfoWeb) raises concern about its quality. There is no data about the quality of MedInfoWeb concerning epidural analgesia for labour (EAL). Our aims were to assess the quality of MedInfoWeb concerning EAL and to study the stability of MedInfoWeb and the ranking of website into search engine (SE) during 1 year.

Study design

Observational study.

Materials and methods

We created our own data form to analyse the firsts 40 Google^®, Alta Vista^® and Yahoo^® websites. In 2009 and 2010, two independent assessors assessed the quality of the website structure (structure score noted out of 25) and the quality of medical information (medical score noted out of 30). The global score (noted on 55) was the addition of structure and medical scores. A HONcode labelling was noted.

Results

Between 2009 and 2010, the average global (23 vs. 22), structure (11 vs. 11) and medical (12 vs. 12) Scores were stable. The SE's quality was comparable. A SE website's rank was not related to its global score. The labelling HONcode websites were the best (26 vs. 21, P = 0.048). The best website in 2009 and 2010 was doctissimo.fr. In 2010, only 58% of the websites were still presents.

Conclusion

The quality of MedInfoWeb concerning EAL is poor and did not improve between 2009 and 2010. The MedInfoWeb is unstable: 42% of the websites disappeared in 1 year. No website or SE is currently able to give reliable medical information concerning EAL.     

Airway management in obstetrics

Objective

Reviewing problems related to the airway management in obstetrics, taking into account the recent evolutions of the anaesthetic practices in obstetrics.

Data sources

A review of the literature in English and French was performed in the Pumed^® database in April 2010. The first research used the following MeshTerms: “Anesthesia, Obstetrical” [Mesh] AND “Intubation, Intratracheal” [Mesh]. Complementary research used alone or in combination the following keywords: difficult tracheal intubation; failed tracheal intubation; airway; prediction of difficult tracheal intubation; maternal mortality; maternal morbidity; liability; aspiration pneumonia and obstetrical anesthesia.

Study selection

All the publications were retained excluding the correspondence.

Data extraction

Data analysis for the airway management in obstetrics, the prediction of difficult intubation, the prevention of pulmonary inhalation of gastric fluid, but also on maternal morbi-mortality in link with general anesthesia in obstetrics.

Data synthesis

Airway management in obstetrics remains a true challenge for various reasons. The physiological and anatomical modifications related to pregnancy are responsible for a faster hypoxemia, a reduction of the diameter of the pharyngolaryngal tract, as well as an increase of the risk of inhalation of gastric contents after 16 weeks of amenorrhea. The emergency or extreme emergency context and the presence of diseases like obesity or preeclampsia raise the risks of difficulties with airway management. The logical evolution of the practices, with the considerable rise of the regional anesthesia/analgesia limits the training and the maintenance of competences for intratracheal intubation in obstetrics. The training per simulation appears particularly interesting on the subject and this approach needs to be developed. The literature indicates that the incidence of difficult intubation is of one per 30. The impossible intubation is one per 280 in obstetrics, eight times greater than in the general population. No criterion of difficult intubation is sufficiently predictive alone. In obstetrics as in other contexts, the association of several criteria will permit to anticipate a difficult intubation. There is a worsening of the Mallampati during the pregnancy and during labour. To limit the risk of a difficult management of the airway in obstetrics, it will be paramount and capital, in addition to give priority to the regional anaesthesia/analgesia each time possible, to perform a careful and repeated evaluation of the predictive criteria of difficult intubation or ventilation. The inhalation of gastric fluid will systematically be prevented. The adapted material and algorithms for difficult intubation must be available in the labour wards. In case of a difficult intubation during an emergency caesarean section, the SFAR algorithms must be applied. In case of a “cannot intubate can ventilate situation”, the possibility of carrying on the Caesarean maintaining the Sellick manoeuvre should be considered. The place of the laryngoscopy assisted by videolaryngoscope in this context clearly remains to be defined. Even if in the literature some cases of successful intubation through these devices suggest an interest, there is a clear deviance between the guidelines and the practices concerning general anaesthesia performed at the end of the labour. Indeed they should be systematically performed with rapid sequence induction and tracheal intubation. A reflexion on this theme is necessary in order to grant the practices to the recommendations.