ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), is an autoimmune, hypercoagulable state caused by antibodies against cell-membrane phospholipids provoking arterial and venous thromboses as well as pregnancy-related complications such as miscarriage, stillbirth, preterm delivery, or severe preeclampsia. The syndrome occurs due to the autoimmune production of antibodies against phospholipid (aPL), a cell membrane substance. In particular, the disease is characterised by antibodies against cardiolipin (anti-cardiolipin antibodies) and ß2 glycoprotein I. In rare cases, APS can lead to rapid organ failure due to generalised thrombosis. This life-threatening complication is termed "catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome" (CAPS) and is associated with a high maternal mortality. OBJECTIVES: To describe the characteristics of patients who developed catastrophic APS triggered during pregnancy and to possibly identify potential risk factors for the development of this complication. METHODS: Patients charts of women with autoimmune disorders (such as APS or systemic lupus erythematodes) observed and treated at the University of Graz and The University of Jena between 2007 and 2012 were evaluated. RESULTS: Four cases of CAPS were identified. In all women CAPS occurred as a severe early onset complication (<34 weeks of gestation) and all women had to be delivered by caesarean section between 27 and 32 weeks. With an "individualized" treatment including plasmapheresis, pregnancy can be prolonged for a short period to at least achieve lung maturation by steroids. Several specific features could be found: HELLP (haemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, low platelets) syndrome-like symptoms, eclampsia-like symptoms (headache, amaurosis), abdominal pain resistent to conventional analgesic therapy, and intrauterine growth restriction. Histologic examination after delivery revealed placental infarctions. CONCLUSION: It is important to consider the possibility of the development of catastrophic APS in those patients with signs of HELLP syndrome and multiorgan failure during pregnancy or puerperium, especially in those patients with previous history of abortions and/or thrombosis. In specialised centers prolongation of pregnancy with an individualized treatment including plasmapheresis may be an option.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: This study compares the maternal heart rate effects of carbetocin and oxytocin during elective caesarean delivery. DESIGN: Double blind randomised single centre study (1:1). SETTING: University hospital providing intrapartum care. POPULATION: Fifty-six women undergoing elective caesarean section after spinal anaesthesia. METHODS: Haemodynamic parameters were measured non-invasively using the Task Force(®) Monitor 3040i system. Measurements were taken for 500 seconds upon administration of a slow intravenous bolus of the clinically recommended doses of 100 µg of carbetocin or 5 IU of oxytocin to prevent postpartum haemorrhage (PPH). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Effect on maternal heart rate (HR). RESULTS: Statistically indistinguishable haemodynamic effects were seen for both drugs, with a maximal effect at about 30-40 seconds: HR increased 17.98 ± 2.53 bpm for oxytocin and 14.20 ± 2.45 bpm for carbetocin. Systolic blood pressure (sBP) decreased (-26.80 ± 2.82 mmHg for oxytocin versus -22.98 ± 2.75 mmHg for carbetocin). Following the maximal effect, women treated with carbetocin recovered slowly to baseline values asymptotically (HR and BP), whereas women treated with oxytocin displayed a slight rebound bradycardia at 200 seconds (-6.8 ± 1.92 bpm). Patients under both treatments showed a similar profile of side effects without any indication of unexpected adverse effects. CONCLUSION: Both oxytocins have comparable haemodynamic effects and are uterotonic drugs with an acceptable safety profile for prophylactic use. Minimal differences in the recovery phase beyond 70 seconds are in keeping with the fact that carbetocin has an extended half-life compared with oxytocin.
