International journal of obstetric anesthesia
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The pitfalls surrounding securing the airway in the obstetric patient are well documented. From Tunstall's original failed intubation drill onwards, there has been progress both in recognition of the difficulties of airway management in the pregnant patient and development of algorithms to enhance patient safety. ⋯ They improve glottic visualisation and are useful in the management of the difficult non-obstetric airway, including those in morbidly obese patients and in the setting of a rapid-sequence induction. There is growing interest in the potential use of video laryngoscopes in the obstetric population and as a teaching tool to maximise training opportunities.
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HELLP syndrome (hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes and low platelets) complicates 0.5-0.9% of pregnancies and is frequently associated with multiorgan dysfunction. Treatment relies on prompt diagnosis, delivery and supportive care. The clinical presentation may make the concurrent diagnosis and management of other disease entities challenging. This case report describes a patient with postpartum HELLP syndrome complicated by severe multiorgan dysfunction and pulmonary embolism.
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Int J Obstet Anesth · May 2015
Emergent transesophageal echocardiography in hemodynamically unstable obstetric patients.
The obstetric population has an increasing incidence of comorbid conditions. These, coupled with the possibility of acute embolic events involving air, amniotic fluid, and thrombus, increase the likelihood of hemodynamic instability. Although the utility of transesophageal echocardiography to guide management in cardiac and high-risk, non-cardiac surgical populations has been well established, the emergent use in critically-ill parturients has not been comprehensively evaluated. ⋯ Severe hemodynamic instability and cardiac arrest can occur in previously healthy parturients in pregnancy. Our data suggest that emergent transesophageal echocardiography is a valuable tool in determining the etiology and directing therapy of refractory hypotension or cardiac arrest in obstetric patients.