Anesthetic Management of a Parturient with Sequelae of a Severe Burn Injury

Anesthetic management during labor and delivery of a parturient after severe burn injury presents many unique challenges. We report the case of a 25-year-old parturient with a history of 85-90% total body surface area burn in 2002, who presented for a pre-delivery anesthesia evaluation. We outline the management plan that was devised and resulted in adequate labor analgesia. There are a few cases in the literature reporting the use of an epidural catheter for labor analgesia and possible Cesarean section in post-burn patients. We suggest that it is important to perform a thorough assessment of post-burn parturients prior to the onset of labor. This assessment is useful in revealing potential limitations and complications that could arise during labor and delivery; thus allowing preparations to be made for interventions that may become necessary.