Selected recent publications relevant to regional anaesthesia, with concise summaries and links to the original articles.
Epidural analgesia in labour and neonatal and childhood outcomes
Kearns RJ, Kyzayeva A, Singh S, et al. BMJ. 2026;394:e343320. doi:10.1136/bmj-2026-343320.
This large Scottish cohort study found no clinically important association between labour epidural analgesia and serious neonatal neurological illness, neonatal death or childhood cerebral palsy. The observational design cannot establish causation, but the findings are reassuring for patients and clinicians.
Anaesthesia and analgesia for total knee arthroplasty
de Carvalho CC, Miles J, Sebastian MP. BJA Education. 2026. doi:10.1016/j.bjae.2026.03.004.
This practical review outlines anaesthetic and multimodal analgesic strategies for total knee arthroplasty, including spinal anaesthesia and motor-sparing regional techniques. It provides a concise clinical overview focused on effective analgesia, early mobilisation and recovery.
Strengthening governance in regional anaesthesia: balancing collective competence and risk management
Jamal N, Smith A. Anaesthesia. 2026;81:1047–1051. doi:10.1111/anae.70190.
This editorial argues that regional anaesthesia governance should promote collective clinical competence as well as reduce risk. It highlights structured theoretical teaching, simulation, supervised practice, block rooms and peer-led training as important ways to build and maintain skills, alongside standardised safety processes.
These summaries are provided for professional education and do not replace review of the full publication, local guidance or individual clinical judgement.