Successful Perimortem Cesarean Section With Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Anesthesia: A Report of an Unique Case.

Cardiac arrest after acute pulmonary edema in pregnancy is an uncommon event but one with a potentially disastrous outcome. We report the case of a pregnant woman with preeclampsia who presented with rapidly advancing pulmonary edema and subsequently went into cardiac arrest on arrival at the operating room. A perimortem cesarean section was performed in addition to cardiopulmonary resuscitation and anesthesia. These simultaneous treatments resulted in excellent maternal and neonatal outcomes. Moreover, therapeutic brain hypothermia was performed. To our knowledge, this is the first case report of a patient undergoing a cesarean section during cardiac arrest and treated with brain hypothermia. We discuss some of the issues arising from the case in this report.

Aortic Dissection With Cardiac Tamponade in Pregnancy: A Challenging Clinical Scenario.

Aortic dissection is the acute aortic syndrome with the highest mortality, and pregnancy and arterial hypertension are known risk factors. Its association with the perinatal period is a particularly unique and potentially devastating clinical catastrophe which is why the approach to a pregnant woman in cardiorespiratory arrest (CRA) should be multidisciplinary and early, with extraction of the fetus ideally within five minutes after the arrest. We present the case of a 39-year-old pregnant woman, who presented with a cardiorespiratory arrest in the context of an aortic dissection with cardiac tamponade and the need for an urgent perimortem cesarean section. Increasing knowledge and understanding among healthcare professionals has the potential to aid in the early detection and effective treatment of this challenging medical issue.

Successful Management and Birth After Perimortem Cesarean Delivery and Stillbirth Due to Anaphylaxis.

Perimortem cesarean delivery is an effective procedure for cardiopulmonary resuscitation during pregnancy. However, there are no reports documenting long-term outcomes in perimortem cesarean delivery survivors. This may be the first report of a successful live birth, occurring two years after perimortem cesarean delivery. A 29-year-old primipara was transferred to the emergency center on account of cardiopulmonary arrest, at 33 weeks of gestation. She was resuscitated 47 min after cardiopulmonary arrest by perimortem cesarean delivery amongst other treatment modalities, although the fetus died. Two months later, she was discharged with a preserved uterus, and no neurological damage. The couple suffered from posttraumatic stress disorder, which they overcame with the support of the multidisciplinary team, then gave birth to a healthy baby 2 years later. To overcome cardiopulmonary arrest during pregnancy, a seamless approach by a multidisciplinary team is essential for a good patient outcome.

Trauma in Pregnancy.

Trauma is the leading cause of nonobstetric maternal death. Pregnant patients have a similar spectrum of traumatic injuries with a noted increase in interpersonal violence. A structured approach to trauma evaluation and management is recommended with several guidelines expanding on ATLS principles; however, evidence is limited. Optimal management requires understanding of physiologic changes in pregnancy, a team-based approach, and preparation for interventions that may including neonatal resuscitation. The principles of trauma management are the same in pregnancy with a systematic approach and initial maternal focused resuscitation..

Successful Resuscitation and Management of Cardiac Arrest in Pregnancy Due to Undiagnosed Severe Mitral Stenosis: A Case Report.

Maternal collapse is a rare, potentially fatal event with associated feto-maternal morbidity and mortality. We report a case of severe mitral stenosis without any prior symptoms, that presented as acute cardiac decompensation leading to maternal collapse and cardiac arrest. A 35-year-old female in her 28th week of gestation presented to the emergency room with a four-hour history of per-vaginal discharge and leaking of amniotic fluid. Her past history, physical examination, and laboratory workup were unremarkable. An initial diagnosis of pre-term premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) was made and she was managed conservatively. Within four hours of the presentation, she developed shortness of breath, which gradually worsened, and the anesthesia team was requested to assess the patient. Upon arrival, the patient was in severe respiratory distress. She collapsed soon after and started frothing copiously from the mouth. Pulse was absent and cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) commenced. Endotracheal intubation was performed and the obstetric team was asked to prepare for a perimortem cesarean section, which was completed four minutes after the commencement of CPR and the baby was delivered alive and well with an APGAR score of 7 and 8 at one minute and five minutes of birth, respectively, and birth weight of 1.1 kg. CPR continued for 16 minutes after which a return of spontaneous circulation was achieved. Due to the unavailability of an ICU bed, the patient was shifted to OR where she stayed for the next five hours for further resuscitation. After a two-month-long ICU course, the patient was discharged in stable condition; her baby was discharged after a month of hospital stay. The expertise of anesthesiologists as resuscitators and peri-operative physicians helped in successful resuscitation, saving not just one but two lives in the process.

Healthcare personnel self-assessed competence and knowledge following implementation of a new guideline on maternal resuscitation in Norway. A repeated measure study.

Introduction: Cardiac arrest in pregnancy is a rare, yet extremely challenging condition to manage for all healthcare personnel involved. Knowledge deficits and poor resuscitation skills can affect outcomes in cardiac arrest in pregnancy, but research exploring healthcare personnel competence and knowledge about maternal resuscitation is limited. Aims: The aim of this study was to explore (1) healthcare personnel self-assessed competence and knowledge about cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in pregnancy as well as perimortem caesarean section, before and after implementation of a new guideline, (2) whether there were any interprofessional differences in knowledge about maternal resuscitation, and (3) potential differences between different implementation strategies. Research Methodology: The study had a prospective repeated measure implementation design, utilizing a questionnaire before and after implementation of a new guideline on maternal resuscitation after cardiac arrest. Setting: All healthcare personnel potentially involved in CPR in six hospital wards, were invited to participate (n = 527). The guideline was implemented through either simulation, table-top discussions and/or an electronical learning course. Results: In total, 251 (48%) participants responded to the pre-questionnaire, and 182 (35%) to the postquestionnaire. The need for education and training/simulation concerning maternal resuscitation were significantly lowered after implementation of the guideline, yet still the majority of respondents reported a high to medium need for education and training/simulation. Participants' self-assessed overall competence in maternal resuscitation increased significantly postimplementation. Regardless of professional background, knowledge about CPR and perimortem caesarean section increased significantly in most items in the questionnaire after implementation. Differences in level of knowledge based on implementation strategy was identified, but varied between items, and was therefore inconclusive. Conclusion: This study adds knowledge about healthcare personnel self-assessed competence and knowledge about maternal resuscitation and perimortem caesarean section in pregnancy. Our findings indicate that there is still a need for more education and training in this rare incident.

Management of the Pregnant Trauma Patient: A Systematic Literature Review.

INTRODUCTION: Trauma during pregnancy is the leading cause of non-obstetric maternal death and complicates up to 5%-7% of pregnancies. This systematic review without meta-analysis explores the current literature regarding the assessment and management of pregnant trauma patients to provide evidence-based recommendations to guide the general surgeon regarding the prognostic value of laboratory testing including Kleihauer-Betke testing, duration of maternal and fetal monitoring, the use of tranexamic acid, the safety of radiographic studies, and the utility of perimortem cesarean section to improve maternal and fetal mortality. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic search of MEDLINE (Ovid), the Cochrane Library (Wiley), and Embase (Elsevier) was performed. The reference lists of included studies were reviewed for relevant citations. RESULTS: Of the 45 studies included in this review, there was reasonable evidence to suggest that the minimally injured pregnant trauma patient should be observed for a minimum of 4 h, CT scans to rule out traumatic injury are necessary and safe, perimortem cesarean sections should be performed as soon as maternal cardiac arrest occurs. CONCLUSIONS: We recommend delivery by perimortem cesarean section as soon as possible after maternal cardiac arrest, to provide TXA to the hemorrhaging pregnant trauma patient, to obtain trauma CT scans as indicated, and to observe the injured pregnant patient for a minimum of at least 4 h. Additional high-quality studies focusing on the prognostic potential of KB tests and other laboratory studies are needed.

[Prehospital perimortem cesarean section during cardiopulmonary resuscitation for traumatic cardiac arrest : Case report and lessons learned]. / Präklinische perimortale Crash-Sectio im Rahmen einer Traumareanimation : Fallbericht mit Darstellung gewonnener Erkenntnisse.

The following case report discusses the resuscitation of a pregnant woman in traumatic cardiac arrest after a fall from a height with consecutive resuscitative hysterotomy for maternal and fetal salvage. The report illustrates all lessons learned from critical appraisal amid new guideline recommendations and gives an overview of the published literature on the matter. Despite extensive resuscitation efforts, ultimately both the mother and the newborn were pronounced life extinct at the scene. Prehospital treatment of (traumatic) cardiac arrest in a pregnant patient as well as performing a perimortem cesarean section remain infrequent but challenging scenarios.

Uterine rupture in the third trimester of a pregnancy subsequent to a cesarean section by transverse uterine fundal incision: A case report and literature review.

Cesarean section via a transverse uterine fundal incision is performed in patients with placenta previa to reduce blood loss. We describe a case of uterine rupture in a pregnant woman who previously underwent a cesarean section and recovered from cardiac arrest by multidisciplinary management.

Spontaneous Pulmonary Embolism Leading to Sudden Cardiac Arrest and Perimortem C-Section in a 39-Week Parturient During Induction of Labor: A Case Report.

We report the successful salvage of mother and baby after a perimortem cesarean delivery (PMCD) complicated by a 21-minute asystolic maternal cardiac arrest (MCA) that was precipitated by a pulmonary embolism during the early stages of induction of labor. With rapid PMCD, recovery of maternal quality of life is possible even after prolonged resuscitation.

An Inexpensive, High-Fidelity Resuscitative Hysterotomy (RH) Model With Hemorrhage Capability.

Resuscitative hysterotomy (RH) is a rare, time-sensitive, invasive procedure that can be frightening for emergency physicians and yet potentially life-saving for fetus and mother. Several low-cost RH task trainers have been described in the literature. We set out to construct a model using improved synthetic materials for the uterine and abdominal wall and to devise hemorrhage capability. The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the model's perceived usefulness of its features. Secondarily, we wished to assess the confidence of emergency medicine (EM) residents before and after performing a RH using our task trainer in a simulated environment. We constructed an inexpensive task trainer that can function both as a table-top model (TTM) and be adapted to a high-fidelity simulator. We created the abdominal wall and uterus from polyurethane carpet padding, subcutaneous fat from upholstery foam, fascia from synthetic chamois, and blood vessels from IV tubing and angio-catheters. We utilized the task trainer during our monthly EM residency simulation conference. After completing a simulation of a gravid female in cardiac arrest requiring a RH on a high-fidelity simulator adaptated model (HFSAM), residents repeated the procedure during debriefing on a TTM. Residents then completed anonymous paper surveys in which they rated aspects of the RH model and their procedural confidence on a 10-point Likert scale. 20 EM residents took part in the RH simulation scenario followed by a TTM demonstration. All (100%) residents completed the survey. 11 (55%) of the residents performed a RH on either the HFSAM or the TTM while the others assisted. The residents rated the overall educational value of the training event as very high (mean 9.8 (SD 0.68)). Both the TTM (mean 8.9 (SD 1.15)) and HFSAM (mean 8.7 (SD 1.29)) were similarly rated as highly realistic. Before the simulation session, residents rated their confidence in performing a RH as low (mean 4.0 (SD 2.62)). After the session, they were much more confident in their ability to perform a RH (mean 7.9 (SD 1.48); P<0.001). Most residents rated bleeding as very important to the utility of a RH model (mean 8.6 (SD 1.74)). We demonstrate an inexpensive but realistic RH task trainer that can be used as a stand-alone model or adapted to a high-fidelity simulator. A single simulation using the TTM and the HFSAM lead to increased resident confidence in their ability to perform a RH.

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation in Obstetric Patient: Special Considerations.

The prevalence of cardiac arrest in pregnant women varies from 1/20,000 to 1/50,000 pregnancies and is associated with high fetomaternal mortality. The pregnant mother is more susceptible to cardiac arrest as hypoxia is poorly tolerated. Hemorrhage, eclampsia, sepsis, and embolism are common causes of arrest. Cardiac arrest is preventable if a predisposing clinical problem is detected in time by an early warning score and treated immediately. Resuscitation in obstetric patient is challenging and special as it involves the lives of two patients, the mother and the fetus. Physiological and anatomical changes during pregnancy need special considerations during cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Chest compressions, defibrillation, and drug administration guidelines are similar to those in non-pregnant women. Early endotracheal intubation by an expert is desirable but bag-mask ventilation with oxygen supplementation should be initiated immediately by the first responder to prevent hypoxia. Hyperventilation should be avoided. An intravenous line should be established above the level of the diaphragm. Manual left lateral uterine displacement is necessary to relieve aortocaval compression when uterine height is more than 20 weeks. Perimortem cesarean delivery at the site is a part of resuscitation if spontaneous circulation is not established within 4 min, after detection of the arrest. Echocardiography and ultrasonography can help to find out the etiology of the arrest. Targeted temperature management and extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation should be considered as needed. The newborn will be taken care of by a neonatologist. Following emergency protocols, early warning scores, training and updating resuscitation guidelines, simulations, collecting a national database of pregnant mothers along with the teamwork of obstetrician, anesthesiologist, neonatologist, and emergency physician can reduce fetomaternal mortality.

A Novel Approach to Perimortem Cesarean Section Training with Human Cadavers.

Perimortem Cesarean section is a rare, time-sensitive, and invasive medical procedure. We describe a novel approach for high-fidelity training using a human cadaver with an inserted simulated gravid uterus.

Extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation in a woman with twin pregnancy.

INTRODUCTION: Maternal cardiac arrest is a rare condition. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in pregnancy is different from that in other populations due to physiological changes in patients. Extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) is recommended in patients having cardiac arrest with potentially reversible etiologies. However, data regarding ECPR in pregnancy are limited. CASE SUMMARY: A 24-year-old woman with a 33-week twin pregnancy developed witnessed cardiac arrest in an antenatal clinic. She underwent perimortem cesarean delivery (PMCD) and ECPR, but uterine atony with massive bleeding occurred. Emergency hysterectomy and massive blood transfusion were performed in the emergency department and the patient was transferred to the intensive care unit after hemodynamics was stable. CONCLUSION: Cardiac arrest in pregnancy is a complex condition. Several aspects of management have not been evaluated. Prospective studies for improving the outcomes are needed.

Paro cardiorrespiratorio en la embarazada y cesárea perimortem / Maternal cardiac arrest and perimortem cesarean delivery

Resumen El paro cardiorrespiratorio (PCR) en la mujer embarazada es una situación infrecuente, grave y de manejo multidisciplinario. La reanimación cardiopulmonar requiere consideraciones y particularidades propias de la embarazada, centradas en la fisiología y la anatomía, teniendo especial consideración la compresión aortocava, la intubación-ventilación difícil, la presencia de estómago lleno y el hecho que hay dos vidas involucradas. Las principales causas de PCR son las hemorrágicas, seguidas de las embólicas, cardiovasculares, anestésicas e infecciosas. Las principales acciones incluyen activación del código azul obstétrico con respuesta rápida para una eventual realización de histerotomía de emergencia oportuna en el mismo sitio evitando el traslado al quirófano, compresiones torácicas de buena calidad, desviación manual uterina a la izquierda, intubación endotraqueal y manejo avanzado de la vía aérea, todo esto con el fin de mejorar la sobrevida materno-fetal. La cesárea perimortem es un pilar en el manejo, favoreciendo el desenlace materno y eventualmente el fetal. Se debe realizar a los 4 minutos de una reanimación cardiopulmonar no exitosa. Sin embargo, aún hay retardo a la hora de indicarla, por lo que se debe incentivar el entrenamiento, la simulación en resucitación cardiopulmonar materna y las guías clínicas para todo el personal involucrado en la atención de pacientes obstétricas.

Abstract Cardiopulmonary arrest is a rare event during pregnancy and labor. It involves many subspecialties and allied health providers. Besides it requires knowledge of maternal physiology as it relates to resuscitation, particularly aortocaval compression, difficult airway, full stomach and the fact that there are two lives involved. The most frequent causes of cardiac arrest during pregnancy include bleeding, followed by embolism, infection, anesthesia complications and heart failure. The main steps required are: obstetric code activation with appropriate response for performing timely emergent hysterotomy in the same place avoiding the transfer to operating room; good-quality chest compressions; manual uterine displacement to the left, advanced pharmacological and airway management; and optimal care after resuscitation to improve maternal and fetal outcomes. Although current recommendations for maternal resuscitation include the performance of perimortem cesarean section after four minutes of unsuccessful cardiopulmonary resuscitation, deficits in knowledge about this procedure are common. Therefore, training and available evidence-based guidelines should be put in place for all obstetric caregivers.

Pregnancy With Cardiac Arrest in the Emergency Department: Case Report With Review of Literature.

Cardiac arrest in pregnancy is an uncommon encounter, with the incidence being one in every 12,000 hospital admissions for delivery. Here we present, one such patient and our experience in managing the patient. A 23-year-old, third-trimester pregnant female presented with a history of polytrauma following a road traffic accident. On initial assessment, she was in cardiac arrest. We initiated high-quality cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) as per advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) protocol. We also performed a perimortem cesarean section within four minutes of cardiac arrest. A male baby was delivered who did not have any signs of life. Neonatal resuscitation was initiated. However, both the mother and the child could not be revived. Cardiac arrest in pregnancy is a unique scenario in resuscitation, and all emergency physicians should know the key highlights in managing such patients. We review some existing literature and pose some queries that are yet to be answered.

Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine Special Statement: Checklist for initial management of amniotic fluid embolism.

Amniotic fluid embolism is a rare syndrome characterized by sudden cardiorespiratory collapse during labor or soon after delivery. Because of its rarity, many obstetrical providers have no experience in managing amniotic fluid embolism and may therefore benefit from a cognitive aid such as a checklist. We present a sample checklist for the initial management of amniotic fluid embolism based on standard management guidelines. We also suggest steps that each facility can take to implement the checklist effectively.

Prehospital Perimortem Caesarean Section - A Survivor.

Cardiac arrest in pregnancy is rare. It has a reported incidence of approximately 1 in 30000 pregnancies worldwide and occurs prehospitally with rates of around 3 in every 100000 live births within the developed world. The management of maternal cardiac arrest is complicated by the anatomical and physiological changes of pregnancy, its rarity and clinician unfamiliarity. The presentation and the prehospital environment can make for an incredibly challenging, stressful and highly emotive scene. One aspect of maternal cardiac arrest management is the perimortem cesarean section, a surgical procedure that is potentially lifesaving for both mother and child. Although rarely reported in the field it is possible to successfully perform the procedure. This report details the emergent prehospital treatment of a 41-year-old woman pregnant with her first child of 30 weeks gestation. It describes a case of maternal cardiac arrest, her resuscitation and the undertaking of a prehospital perimortem cesarean section resulting in a neurologically intact infant survivor.