Perimortem Cesarean Delivery Following Severe Maternal Penetrating Injury

ABSTRACT

The case of a severely traumatized pregnant patient, in whom a perimortem cesarean section, in the emergency department, led to the birth of a viable baby, with long-term survivor, is described. A postmortem cesarean section, resulting in fetal survival, performed after 45 minutes of maternal cardiopulmonary resuscitation is reported in a patient with multiple penetrating injuries. A 27-year-old primigravida suffered cardiopulmonary arrest at the 34th week of gestation following multiple knife injuries. Although extensive advanced cardiopulmonary resuscitation was performed for 45 minutes, her vital signs did not return to normal levels. A low segment cesarean delivery was performed, and a female baby was delivered. The time interval between cardiopulmonary arrest and delivery, prior maternal health status, and continued cardiopulmonary resuscitation are important determinants of fetal survival. A perimortem cesarean section is advised in case of multiple penetrating injuries, even after 45 minutes of cardiopulmonary resuscitation, since it may result in fetal salvage.