American journal of obstetrics and gynecology
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Am. J. Obstet. Gynecol. · Jun 2005
ReviewPerimortem cesarean delivery: were our assumptions correct?
A review of all published perimortem cesarean section case reports by Vern Katz, following up his article in 1986 first recommending this procedure.
While this does not offer proof of benefit (huge survival selection bias), of the 38 cases reported, 34 neonates survived (includes multiple gestations), and of the 20 cases with reversible causes, 13 mothers were discharged from hospital.
Katz writes:
In 12 of 18 reports that documented hemodynamic status, cesarean delivery preceded return of maternal pulse and blood pressure, often in a dramatic fashion. Eight other cases noted improvement in maternal status. Importantly, in no case was there deterioration of the maternal condition with the cesarean delivery.