Continuous spinal analgesia for labor and delivery in a parturient with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy

Induction of labor under analgesia was planned for a 30-year-old-primiparous patient with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM), as her fetal evaluation revealed intrauterine growth restriction at 38 weeks' gestation. However, regional analgesia during labor may present a potential risk for hemodynamic instability in patients with HOCM due to the possibility of a sympathetic block, as a result of vasodilation associated with the administration of local anesthesia. This case report demonstrates the successful management of the patient with analgesia provided by a continuous spinal catheter dosed with a continuous infusion of fentanyl and supplemental meperidine. Fetal surveillance monitoring included fetal pulse oximetry in addition to conventional cardiotocography, on the basis of which cesarean section was avoided.