Massive hemorrhage in a previously undiagnosed abdominal pregnancy presenting for elective Cesarean delivery

Fatal ruptured ectopic pregnancy - a case report

A 26-year-old unmarried female with a history of acute abdominal pain and bleeding per vagina was brought unresponsive to the hospital. She was in shock on arrival and could not be resuscitated. Death was registered as a medico-legal case. Further investigation by the police revealed that she had amenorrhoea for eight weeks and had tested positive for pregnancy. She had consumed abortion pills purchased from a local pharmacist without consulting a doctor and had developed acute abdominal pain after 48 h. Autopsy revealed a ruptured ectopic pregnancy (tubal type).

Successful expectant management of an abdominal pregnancy diagnosed at 14 weeks

A rare case of abdominal pregnancy, diagnosed by ultrasound at 14 weeks' gestation, was managed conservatively resulting in the delivery of a viable infant at 32 weeks who survived. Details of the natural history, subsequent pregnancy course and perinatal and maternal outcomes in this case are presented.

Anti-shock garment in postpartum haemorrhage

The non-pneumatic anti-shock garment (NASG) is a first-aid device that reverses hypovolaemic shock and decreases obstetric haemorrhage. It consists of articulated neoprene segments that close tightly with Velcro, shunting blood from the lower body to the core organs, elevating blood pressure and increasing preload and cardiac output. This chapter describes the controversial history of the predecessors of NASG, pneumatic anti-shock garments (PASGs), relates case studies of PASG for obstetric haemorrhage, compares pneumatic and non-pneumatic devices and posits why the NASG is more appropriate for low-resource settings. This chapter discusses the only evidence available about NASGs for obstetric haemorrhage - two pre-post pilot trials and three case series - and describes recently initiated randomized cluster trials in Africa. Instructions and an algorithm for ASGs in haemorrhage and shock management are included. Much remains unknown about the NASG, a promising intervention for obstetric haemorrhage management.

Military anti-shock garment: Historical relic or a device with unrealized potential?

Military anti-shock trousers represents a medical device which has engendered very divergent views, even up to today. From the time the concept was formulated in 1903 by surgeon George W Crile, there have been significant swings in opinion and evidence. The guidelines, where available, are often kept relatively general and cautious. As a spin-off to the mechanism and technology, several alternative devices have been proposed or developed over the years. This include the auto-transfusion torniquet, the non pneumatic anti-shock garment (Life Wrap) and the non inflatable antishock garment, which are discussed in this paper.

Diagnosis and treatment of ectopic pregnancy

Ectopic pregnancy is a life- and fertility-threatening condition that is commonly seen in Canadian emergency departments. Increases in the availability and use of hormonal markers, coupled with advances in formal and emergency ultrasonography have changed the diagnostic approach to the patient in the emergency department with first-trimester bleeding or pain. Ultrasonography should be the initial investigation for symptomatic women in their first trimester; when the results are indeterminate, the serum beta human chorionic gonadotropin (beta-hCG) concentration should be measured. Serial measurement of beta-hCG and progesterone concentrations may be useful when the diagnosis remains unclear. Advances in surgical and medical therapy for ectopic pregnancy have allowed the proliferation of minimally invasive or noninvasive treatment. Guidelines for laparoscopy and for methotrexate therapy are provided.