HORNERS-SYNDROME FOLLOWING LOW-DOSE EPIDURAL INFUSION FOR LABOR - A CAUTIONARY TALE

While Horner's syndrome is a rare and occasionally reported complicati on of epidural 'top-ups' administered for labour and Caesarean deliver y, the case reported here followed a low-dose epidural infusion of bup ivacaine. Low-dose epidural infusions have generally been regarded as a safer alternative to bolus doses in labour. It is also the case that close supervision is deemed unnecessary in some centres where the mot her is receiving such an epidural infusion. this case is reported in o rder to highlight the potential dangers of a low-dose regime which in spite of the lack of early warning signs may be associated with a high block.