ABSTRACT
A 31-year-old G3P2002 with history of two prior caesarean sections presented with influenza-like illness, requiring intubation secondary to acute respiratory distress syndrome. Investigations revealed intrauterine fetal demise at 30-week gestation.She soon deteriorated with sepsis and multiple organs impacted. Risks of the gravid uterus impairing cardiopulmonary function appeared greater than risks of delivery, including that of uterine rupture. Vaginal birth after caesarean was achieved with misoprostol and critical care status rapidly improved.Current guidelines for management of fetal demise in patients with prior hysterotomies are mixed: although the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends standard obstetric protocols rather than misoprostol administration for labour augmentation, there is limited published data citing severe maternal morbidity associated with misoprostol use. This case report argues misoprostol-augmented induction of labour can be a reasonable option in a medically complex patient with fetal demise and prior hysterotomies.
Subject(s)
Fetal Death/etiology , Labor, Induced/methods , Labor, Obstetric/drug effects , Misoprostol/administration & dosage , Oxytocics/administration & dosage , Administration, Intravaginal , Adult , Delivery, Obstetric/standards , Female , Humans , Hysterotomy/adverse effects , Intubation, Intratracheal/methods , Misoprostol/pharmacology , Multiple Organ Failure/etiology , Oxytocics/pharmacology , Pregnancy , Pregnancy Complications, Infectious/diagnosis , Pregnancy Trimester, Third , Respiratory Distress Syndrome/complications , Respiratory Distress Syndrome/therapy , Treatment Outcome , Uterine Rupture/prevention & controlABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Several states have deemed abortions as nonessential services, effectively calling for a halt to abortion care during the COVID-19 pandemic. In response, women might elect for self-managed abortions by obtaining abortion medications online. CASE: A 15-year-old girl presented with abdominal cramping and vaginal discharge after taking misoprostol obtained from an online retailer for a self-managed abortion in her second trimester during the COVID-19 pandemic. Her exam showed products of conception protruding from the vagina. The patient was emergently evaluated for an incomplete and possible septic abortion and underwent a dilation and evacuation procedure.