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Cardiac arrest in pregnancy and perimortem cesarean delivery: case report and discussion

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  11 May 2015

Paul T. Engels ,
Sheila C. Caddy ,
Gulnaz Jiwa  and
J. Douglas Matheson
Paul T. Engels*
Affiliation:
Division of Critical Care Medicine, University of Alberta Hospital Intensive Care Unit, Royal Alexandra Hospital Department of Surgery, Royal Alexandra Hospital
Sheila C. Caddy
Affiliation:
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Royal Alexandra Hospital, Edmonton, AB
Gulnaz Jiwa
Affiliation:
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Royal Alexandra Hospital, Edmonton, AB
J. Douglas Matheson
Affiliation:
Intensive Care Unit, Royal Alexandra Hospital Department of Surgery, Royal Alexandra Hospital
*
Division of Critical Care Medicine, Room 3C1.12, Walter C. Mackenzie Centre, University of Alberta Hospital, 8440-112 Street, Edmonton, AB T6G 2B7; pengels@ualberta.ca

Abstract

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Cardiac arrest in pregnancy is a rare occurrence, particularly in the emergency department setting. The resuscitation of a pregnant patient in cardiac arrest is unique in a number of ways. Early identification and treatment of possible etiologies, appropriate response to the physiologic changes present in pregnancy, relief of potential vena cava obstruction by the gravid uterus, and expeditious preparation for possible cesarean delivery are important considerations for a successful resuscitation. We report and discuss the case of a pregnant patient with pulmonary edema and cardiac dysfunction who presented with severe hypoxemia and subsequent cardiac arrest and underwent a perimortem cesarean delivery and simultaneous fetal and maternal resuscitation in the emergency department.

Keywords

cardiac arrestcardiopulmonary resuscitationcesarean sectioncritical careemergency departmentemergency medicinepregnancy
Type
Case Report • Rapport de cas
Information
Canadian Journal of Emergency Medicine , Volume 13 , Issue 6 , November 2011 , pp. 399 - 403
Copyright
Copyright © Canadian Association of Emergency Physicians 2011

References

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