International journal of obstetric anesthesia
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Int J Obstet Anesth · May 2021
ReviewPlacenta accreta spectrum disorder: updates on anesthetic and surgical management strategies.
Placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) is a leading contributor to major obstetric hemorrhage and severe maternal morbidity in the developed world. In the United States, PAS has become the most common cause of peripartum hysterectomy. Over the last 40 years, clinicians have also witnessed a dramatic increase in the incidence of PAS. ⋯ As a consequence, obstetric anesthesiologists are increasingly likely to be called upon to manage women with suspected PAS for delivery. Given the increasing incidence and the morbidity burden associated with PAS, anesthesiologists play a vital role in optimizing maternal outcomes for women with PAS. This review will provide up-to-date information on nomenclature, pathophysiology, risk factors, antenatal detection, systemic preparations (includes timing of delivery, location of surgery, pre-operative evaluation and patient positioning), surgical and anesthetic approach, intra-operative management, invasive radiology and postoperative plans.
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Int J Obstet Anesth · May 2021
ReviewWhen does obstetric coagulopathy occur and how do I manage it?
Anticipating obstetric coagulopathy is important when obstetric anaesthetists are involved in the clinical management of women with postpartum haemorrhage. Although the incidence of coagulopathy in women with postpartum haemorrhage is low, significant hypofibrinogenaemia is associated with major haemorrhage-related morbidity and thus early identification and treatment is essential to improve outcomes. Point-of-care viscoelastic haemostatic assays, including thromboelastography and rotational thromboelastometry, provide granular information about alterations in clot formation and hypofibrinogenaemia, allow near-patient interpretation of coagulopathy, and can guide goal-directed treatment. If these assays are not available, anaesthetists should closely monitor the maternal coagulation profile with standard laboratory testing during the active phase of postpartum bleeding in order to rule coagulopathy 'in or out', decide if pro-haemostatic therapies are indicated, and assess the response to haemostatic support.
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The incidence of maternal hemorrhage and blood transfusion has increased over time. Causes of massive hemorrhage, defined as a transfusion > 10 units of erythrocytes, include abnormal placental insertion, preeclampsia, and placental abruption. ⋯ Autotransfusion, which involves the collection, washing, and filtration of maternal shed blood, avoids many of the complications associated with allogeneic blood transfusion. In this review, we provide an overview of transfusion practices related to the management of obstetric hemorrhage.
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Int J Obstet Anesth · May 2021
Associations of thrombocytopenia, transaminase elevations, and transfusion with laboratory coagulation tests in women with preeclampsia: a cross-sectional study.
Women with preeclampsia may develop coagulopathy, predisposing to bleeding complications. Although guidelines and prior studies conflict, we hypothesized that in preeclampsia, abnormal coagulation test results are more common in women with thrombocytopenia or transaminase elevations and increase the transfusion risk. Our objectives were to investigate: 1. patterns of coagulation testing; 2. relationships between platelet count, transaminase level, and the risk of abnormal coagulation tests; 3. risk of bleeding complications; and 4. characteristics of patients with markedly abnormal coagulation parameters. ⋯ Coagulation testing was inconsistently performed in this cohort. Platelet counts and transaminase levels inadequately detected abnormal coagulation test results. Abnormal coagulation test results were associated with a markedly higher risk for red blood cell transfusion.