Epidural analgesia with low-dose bupivacaine and fentanyl for labor and delivery in a parturient with severe pulmonary hypertension

Abstract

Epidural administration of a low-dose bupivacaine/fentanyl solution can provide excellent analgesia for labor and delivery in parturients with severe pulmonary hypertension, and probably in those with other significant cardiac diseases, without adverse cardiovascular or respiratory effects. Invasive hemodynamic monitoring is required and the anesthetic must be slowly titrated.