Pulmonary hypertension and pregnancy--a lethal combination

Management of reproductive health in patients with pulmonary hypertension

Pulmonary hypertension is characterized by elevated pulmonary artery pressure caused by several clinical conditions that affect pulmonary vasculature. Morbidity and death in this condition are related to the development of right ventricular failure. Normal physiologic changes that occur in pregnancy to support the growing fetus can pose hemodynamic challenges to the pregnant patient with pulmonary hypertension that results in increased morbidity and mortality rates. Current guidelines recommend that patients with known pulmonary hypertension be counseled against pregnancy. This review aims to provide clinicians with guidelines for preconception counseling, medication management, and delivery planning.

Maternal and fetal outcomes in pregnancy complicated with Eisenmenger syndrome

OBJECTIVE

The goal of the study was to clarify the risk factors for pregnancy complicated with Eisenmenger syndrome (ES).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective study was performed in 15 patients with ES who were managed throughout pregnancy at one institution from 1982 to 2013. Cases associated with congenital heart diseases other than atrial septal defect (ASD), ventricular septal defect (VSD), and patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) were excluded.

RESULTS

The congenital heart diseases in ES included ASD (n = 3), VSD (n = 9), and PDA (n = 3). Ten women chose termination and 5 continued with their pregnancies. In the 5 continuation cases (PDA 1, VSD 4), worsening of cyanosis, exertional fatigue and dyspnea appeared between 25 and 30 weeks gestation and cesarean section was performed at 30 (28-33) weeks. LVEF, PaO₂, and SpO₂ decreased and heart rate increased significantly from before pregnancy to 25-30 weeks gestation. From before to during the pregnancy, there were no significant changes in mean PABP or pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) in four cases with data (582-592, 885 to 868, 1280 to 1291, 1476-1522 dyn × s/cm²). PVR at conception had a negative relationship with delivery weeks. NYHA classes before, during and 1 year after pregnancy were II, III and II. In one recent case, epoprostenol and tadalafil were administered during pregnancy.

CONCLUSIONS

Pregnancy with ES has a high risk due to hypooxygenation, cyanosis, and cardiac failure, which can appear as common complications as early as the 2nd trimester. Early interventions with meticulous care are required for these complications during pregnancy and delivery.

Combined Spinal and Epidural Anaesthesia for Caesarean Section in a Parturient with Severe Primary Pulmonary Hypertension

We describe the management of a parturient with severe primary pulmonary hypertension who underwent caesarean section. A multi-disciplinary approach was used. She was admitted to the intensive care unit perioperatively for invasive monitoring and trial of inhaled nitric oxide. Anaesthesia was provided by combined spinal-epidural block. We discuss controversies about the management of obstetric patients with this rare and serious condition.

Pregnancy outcome in a pregnant patient with idiopathic Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: a case report and review of the literature

Background

Idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension is a rare and progressive condition which is aggravated by the physiologic changes during pregnancy. Because of high mortality rate, most physicians recommend early termination of pregnancy in patients with idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension.

Case presentation

Here we describe a case of a 30-year-old primigravida Caucasian housewife with functional class 1 idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension and a positive vasoreactive response to adenosine who had a full-term non-complicated delivery.

Right-sided heart catheterization before the pregnancy showed severe pulmonary hypertension with mean pulmonary arterial pressure of 60 mmHg, and pulmonary vascular resistance of 12.2 WU. Vasoreactivity was positive after infusion of 200 μg/kg per minute adenosine. During pregnancy, she did not receive medication other than prophylactic enoxaparin. She had an elective cesarean section under general anesthesia at 39 weeks of gestation without complication and delivered a healthy baby. After delivery, her hemodynamic status was stable. One month postpartum, she was in a stable clinical condition in functional class 1.

Conclusions

In pregnant patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension, decreased mortality has been observed over recent years particularly in patients with well-controlled pulmonary pressure and a positive vasoreactivity test.

Pulmonary hypertension and pregnancy: the experience of a tertiary institution over 15 years

Background:

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) in pregnancy is associated with a high maternal mortality and morbidity and has been found to be as high as 30-56%.

Aim:

To review the management of such patients in a tertiary center over a 15 year period, as the current literature consists of a few case reports, a few small case series and 2 meta-analyses.

Materials and Methods:

A review of all patients admitted to our institution for management of PH in pregnancy between 1994 and February 2009 was undertaken. Cases were identified from the high-risk pregnancy database within the department of anesthesia and from the hospital medical records. Severity of PH, type of PH, NYHA functional status at presentation and delivery, mode of delivery, peripartum monitoring and APGAR scores were noted. Patients were reviewed by a multidisciplinary team and management planned accordingly.

Results:

19 eligible patients were identified. Patients who were significantly sick due to their PH were aggressively managed during pregnancy. Overall there was an improvement in NYHA functional status at the time of delivery. Epidural analgesia and anesthesia for labor and operatively delivery seem to be the ideal choice.

Conclusion:

Multidisciplinary approach is a key to the successful management of these patients. Secondary PH results in higher morbidity and mortality, in particular, older the age higher the maternal morbidity and mortality.

Perioperative management of patients with severe pulmonary hypertension in major orthopedic surgery: experience-based recommendations

Introduction: It is known that pulmonary hypertension is associated with worse outcome in both cardiac and non-cardiac surgery. The aims of our retrospective analysis were to evaluate the outcomes of our patients with pulmonary hypertension undergoing major orthopedic surgery and to give experience-based recommendations for the perioperative management.

Material and methods: From 92 patients with pulmonary hypertension undergoing different kinds of surgical procedures from 2011–2014 in a tertiary academic hospital we evaluated 16 patients with major orthopedic surgery for perioperative morbidity and mortality.

Results: Regarding the in-hospital morbidity and mortality, one patient died postoperatively due to pulmonary infection and right heart failure (6.25%) and 6 patients suffered significant postoperative complications (37.5%; bleeding = 1, infection = 1, wound healing deficits = 3; dysrhythmia = 1).

Conclusion: Our data show that major orthopedic surgery is feasible with satisfactory outcome even in cases of severe pulmonary hypertension by an individualized, disease-adapted interdisciplinary treatment concept.

Use of i-gel for caesarean section with kyphoscoliosis

We describe the anaesthetic management using i-gel for airway maintenance in a patient with kyphoscoliosis presenting for emergency caesarean section due to fetal distress and scar tenderness. The patient had a history of previous caesarean section under general anaesthesia, and presently her cardiorespiratory status is stable. We used i-gel, the new supraglottic airway device, for maintaining the airway under intravenous anaesthesia using propofol.

Primary pulmonary hypertension during pregnancy: A case report

We describe a case of a 25-year-old pregnant woman who presented with severe primary pulmonary hypertension (PPH). Her echocardiogram showed severe right ventricular hypertrophy with dilatation and Moderate right ventricular systolic dysfunction. Right ventricle systolic pressure (RVSP) was estimated to be 125 mmHg. She had an elective caesarean section under general anaesthesia at 32 weeks of gestation. Pulmonary artery pressures measured by a pulmonary artery catheter before anaesthesia were 102 mmHg and pulmonary vascular resistance was 429. Intraoperative nitric oxide was used to reduce pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP). After the delivery of a healthy infant, PASP was controlled with nebulized iloprost and silandifil. Five days later she was transferred from intensive care unit after she was started on silandifil 50 mg three times daily and a small dose of warfarin.

Perioperative anesthesiological management of patients with pulmonary hypertension

Pulmonary hypertension is a major reason for elevated perioperative morbidity and mortality, even in noncardiac surgical procedures. Patients should be thoroughly prepared for the intervention and allowed plenty of time for consideration. All specialty units involved in treatment should play a role in these preparations. After selecting each of the suitable individual anesthetic and surgical procedures, intraoperative management should focus on avoiding all circumstances that could contribute to exacerbating pulmonary hypertension (hypoxemia, hypercapnia, acidosis, hypothermia, hypervolemia, and insufficient anesthesia and analgesia). Due to possible induction of hypotonic blood circulation, intravenous vasodilators (milrinone, dobutamine, prostacyclin, Na-nitroprusside, and nitroglycerine) should be administered with the greatest care. A method of treating elevations in pulmonary pressure with selective pulmonary vasodilation by inhalation should be available intraoperatively (iloprost, nitrogen monoxide, prostacyclin, and milrinone) in addition to invasive hemodynamic monitoring. During the postoperative phase, patients must be monitored continuously and receive sufficient analgesic therapy over an adequate period of time. All in all, perioperative management of patients with pulmonary hypertension presents an interdisciplinary challenge that requires the adequate involvement of anesthetists, surgeons, pulmonologists, and cardiologists alike.

Volume manipulation by phlebotomy for cesarean section in a patient with pulmonary hypertension

Pulmonary hypertension in a parturient is known for its high perioperative mortality. We describe a successful case of cesarean section performed under general anesthesia in a parturient with pulmonary hypertension. A distinctive feature of our management was active blood volume manipulation by phlebotomy and reinfusion of the blood. Just after the baby was delivered, about 250 ml of blood was phlebotomized to counteract autotransfusion by the contracting uterus. We stopped phlebotomy at this volume because moderate systemic hypotension occurred. The blood was slowly infused, with transesophageal echocardiography used to evaluate right ventricle filling. The patient was hemodynamically stable during the operation and had an uneventful postpartum period. Her baby's perioperative course was also uneventful.

Inhaled iloprost for the control of pulmonary hypertension

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a life-threatening disease characterized by an elevated pulmonary arterial pressure and vascular resistance with a poor prognosis. Various pulmonary and extrapulmonary causes are now recognized to exist separately from the idiopathic form of pulmonary hypertension. An imbalance in the presence of vasoconstrictors and vasodilators plays an important role in the pathophysiology of the disease, one example being the lack of prostacyclin. Prostacyclin and its analogues are potent vasodilators with antithrombotic, antiproliferative and anti-inflammatory qualities, all of which are important factors in the pathogenesis of precapillary pulmonary hypertension. Iloprost is a stable prostacyclin analogue available for intravenous and aerosolized application. Due to the severe side effects of intravenous administration, the use of inhaled iloprost has become a mainstay in PAH therapy. However, owing to the necessity for 6 to 9 inhalations a day, oral treatment is often preferred as a first-line therapy. Numerous studies proving the efficacy and safety of inhaled iloprost have been performed. It is therefore available for a first-line therapy for PAH. The combination with endothelin-receptor antagonists or sildenafil has shown encouraging effects. Further studies with larger patient populations will have to demonstrate the use of combination therapy for long-term treatment of pulmonary hypertension.

Forensic Lung Pathology

Sudden and unexpected natural deaths and nonnatural deaths may result from various pulmonary conditions. Additionally, several nonpulmonary conditions of forensic significance may be complicated by the development of respiratory lesions. Certain situations with pulmonary pathology are particularly likely to be critically scrutinized and may form the basis of allegations of medical negligence, other personal injury liability, or wrongful death.1

Respiratory physiologic changes in pregnancy

In summary, the major physiologic changes that occur in pregnancy are the increased minute ventilation, which is caused by increased respiratory center sensitivity and drive; a compensated respiratory alkalosis; and a low expiratory reserve volume. The vital capacity and measures of forced expiration are well preserved. Patients who have many lung diseases tolerate pregnancy well, with the exception of those who have pulmonary hypertension or chronic respiratory insufficiency from parenchymal or neuromuscular disease.

Exacerbation of underlying pulmonary disease in pregnancy

OBJECTIVE

The presence of underlying pulmonary disease in women of childbearing potential can present a significant challenge during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Management of the underlying disease, recognizing and preventing disease progression, and, most important, managing and minimizing toxic side effects of various therapies require the expertise of an interdisciplinary team. This team must involve close collaboration between intensive care physicians, pulmonary physicians, and high-risk obstetricians familiar with these disease states in an effort to minimize fetal and maternal morbidity and mortality. We will review the impact of the pregnant state in lung transplant recipients, patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension, and patients with underlying cystic fibrosis.

DESIGN

Review of the literature in regards to pregnancy outcomes and issues for patients with cystic fibrosis, pulmonary hypertension, and lung transplants.

METHODS

A review of the epidemiology, pathophysiology, risk factors, classification, clinical features, and outcomes for pregnant patients with underlying pulmonary diseases.

CONCLUSIONS

Safety of pregnancy in the female lung transplant recipient concerns three outcomes: maternal outcome, fetal outcome, and transplanted graft outcome.

Low-dose sequential combined spinal-epidural: an anaesthetic technique for caesarean section in patients with significant cardiac disease

In the United Kingdom, cardiac disease is the second most common cause of all maternal deaths. The best anaesthetic technique for caesarean section in these patients has yet to be established. We describe a low-dose combined spinal-epidural technique in four high-risk obstetric patients who presented to this unit. Invasive monitoring was used in each case, and drugs with significant cardiovascular effects were avoided or used with extreme caution. Multidisciplinary team involvement, including serial echocardiography in the antenatal period, is strongly recommended.

General anaesthesia with target controlled infusion of propofol for planned caesarean section: maternal and neonatal effects of a remifentanil-based technique

The present case series evaluated maternal and neonatal effects of remifentanil, combined with propofol, during general anaesthesia for caesarean delivery. Following written informed consent, ten patients scheduled for semi-elective caesarean section were recruited to this prospective, unblinded trial. All patients with non-reassuring fetal status were excluded. A 0.50-micrograms/kg bolus of remifentanil was given intravenously, followed by a continuous infusion of 0.20 micrograms.kg(-1)min(-1). Anaesthesia was induced using propofol target controlled infusion set at a blood concentration of 5 micrograms/mL, 45 s after the remifentanil bolus. Following tracheal intubation the propofol target was reduced to 2.5 micrograms/mL and remifentanil maintained at 0.20 micrograms.kg(-1)min(-1). Mean arterial pressure remained stable throughout anaesthesia. Two patients experienced episodes of hypotension (mean arterial pressure decrease >20%). Although neonatal depression occurred in six babies and assisted mask ventilation was required briefly, recovery was rapid without the need for naloxone or tracheal intubation. Umbilical artery pH was >7.20 in all infants. We conclude that the results of the present case series using a remifentanil/propofol-based technique of general anaesthesia for caesarean section provide a basis to study the safety of this technique in a larger population. Under the conditions of the present trial, this anaesthetic technique seems safe for mother and infant, provided adequate precautions are taken to manage brief, self-limiting infant respiratory depression. At the moment we cannot advise the routine use of this technique, especially since it has not been studied in situations of fetal compromise.

Labor analgesia for the parturient with cardiac disease: what does an obstetrician need to know?

Maternal heart disease complicates 0.2-3% of pregnancies. The optimal management of the pregnant patient with cardiac disease depends on the cooperative efforts of the obstetrician, the cardiologist and the anesthesiologist involved in peripartum care. A comprehensive understanding of physiology of pregnancy and pathophysiology of underlying cardiac disease is of primary importance in provision of obstetric analgesia or anesthesia for this high-risk group of patients. This article will review the current guidelines and standards pertinent to management of obstetric analgesia and anesthesia in parturients with cardiac disease.

[General anaesthesia for Caesarean section in a patient with pulmonary atresia and an intact intraventricular septum]

We report the case of a 22-year-old primigravida patient presenting pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum, a rare congenital heart disease. Caesarean delivery was performed at 32 weeks of gestation because of moderate maternal function deterioration and foetal growth restriction. General anaesthesia was used because of the presence of lumbar Harrington rods. The administration of etomidate, celocurine and a continuous perfusion of remifentanil right from induction ensured haemodynamic stability and a rapid emergence and recovery.

Pulmonary hypertension complicating twin pregnancy: continuous spinal anaesthesia for caesarean section

A case of secondary pulmonary hypertension complicating twin pregnancy and necessitating caesarean section is presented. A planned team approach involving senior consultants in obstetrics, cardiology, neonatology and cardiac and obstetric anaesthesia resulted in successful perioperative management. Continuous spinal anaesthesia was the chosen technique to give adequate operating conditions with least haemodynamic disturbance. This is the first report of continuous spinal anaesthesia in such a condition.

Use of transesophageal echocardiography for delivery of a parturient with severe pulmonary hypertension

The anesthetic management of a parturient with severe pulmonary hypertension during labor and subsequent cesarean delivery is presented. Transesophageal echocardiography was used intraoperatively to manage the patient's hemodynamics, while pulmonary artery pressure monitoring was of little use. The benefits of transesophageal echocardiography for management of these patients are discussed.

Primary pulmonary hypertension in pregnancy; a role for novel vasodilators

We describe the case of a 28-week pregnant woman presenting with severe primary pulmonary hypertension (PPH). She had an elective Caesarean section under general anaesthesia at 32 weeks gestation. Pulmonary artery pressures (PAP) measured from a pulmonary artery catheter before anaesthesia were in excess of 100 mm Hg. Intraoperative nitric oxide was used to reduce PAP. After the delivery of a healthy infant PAP was controlled with nebulized iloprost and a prostacyclin infusion. Seven days later she was discharged from intensive care taking an oral calcium antagonist and warfarin. She developed intractable right heart failure and died 14 days after delivery. Despite increasing experience in the use of drugs to reduce PAP, the clinical course of pregnancy complicated by severe PPH is usually fatal.

Anaesthesia and analgesia for the critically ill parturient

Anaesthetic and analgesic techniques in the critically ill are determined largely by the nature of the presenting illness. The commonest conditions likely to present as life-threatening emergencies are pre-eclampsia, obstetric haemorrhage, cardiac disease and severe sepsis. Issues dictating choice of anaesthetic technique are the patient's ability to maintain her airway, coagulation status, intravascular volume and haemodynamic dependence upon sympathetic drive, and requirements for ventilatory support and intensive care. Fetal well-being is an issue in the antepartum period, uteroplacental blood flow should be maintained and hypotension avoided. Maternal survival takes priority, however, and occasionally general anaesthetic techniques must be used which lead to neonatal respiratory depression and requirement for ventilatory support. Anaesthesia itself is associated with known hazards. The risks of each technique must be balanced against possible benefits in the context of the presenting illness.

General anesthesia with remifentanil for Cesarean section in a parturient with an acoustic neuroma

PURPOSE

To describe the anesthetic management of a parturient with a large acoustic neuroma undergoing general anesthesia with remifentanil for Cesarean section.

CLINICAL FEATURES

A near-term parturient presented with a large intracranial mass. Cesarean section under general anesthesia was elected one week prior to craniotomy for tumour resection. Remifentanil infusion, 0.2-1.0 microg x kg(-1) x min(-1), was used from induction to emergence of general anesthesia. The neonate was born seven minutes after the remifentanil infusion was started. She had normal umbilical cord pH and her Apgar scores were 7 and 8, at one and five minutes respectively. Although the neonate received supplemental oxygen, she did not require naloxone. Both mother and neonate made an uneventful recovery.

CONCLUSION

Remifentanil was effective in producing stable hemodynamic conditions, without severe neonatal respiratory depression, during induction and maintenance of general anesthesia for a Cesarean delivery in a parturient with a large intracranial tumour.

Cesarean section in a mother with uncorrected congenital coronary to pulmonary artery fistula

PURPOSE

We report a case of a 33 yr old woman with pulmonary hypertension secondary to uncorrected right coronary artery to pulmonary artery fistula who underwent two successful operative deliveries under general anesthesia.

CLINICAL FEATURES

This woman underwent an emergency Caesarean section at 32 wk gestation because she presented in NYHA Class IV, heart failure and premature labour. She did not have antenatal follow-up. For her second pregnancy, she was managed from the first trimester of pregnancy by the cardiologist, obstetrician and anesthesiologist. She received oral furosemide and digoxin from eight weeks gestation. Pregnancy was managed to term before she progressed to NYHA Class IV and cardiac failure at 37 wk gestation. She had a Caesarean section under general anesthesia. She received rapid sequence induction of anesthesia and tracheal intubation with 0.1 mg x kg(-1) etomidate, 2 mg x kg(-1) succinylcholine and maintenance with nitrous oxide 50% in oxygen, isoflurane 1% and 0.1 mg x kg(-1) vecuronium. Fentanyl, 2 microg x kg(-1) helped to obtund the hypertensive response to intubation. Analgesia was provided with 1 mg x kg(-1) morphine. Glyceryl trinitrate infusion, 10-30 microg x min(-1) was used in addition to the anti-heart failure therapy. End-tidal capnography, electrocardiogram, pulse oximetry, continuous arterial blood pressure and pulmonary arterial catheter provided hemodynamic monitoring. The lungs were mechanically ventilated for 24 hr postoperatively. She received anti-heart failure therapy which she continued after discharge. She was NYHA class II upon discharge. She defaulted from further follow-up.

CONCLUSION

Although the literature advocates, in this situation, controlled vaginal delivery utilising epidural analgesia, we describe the successful outcome for operative delivery under general anesthesia in a patient with secondary pulmonary hypertension and heart failure.

Fetal cerebral AV-malformation and cardiomegaly, diagnostic and therapeutic problems

Intracerebral aneurysms are rare. However they are potentially life-threatening. Today by means of ultrasound investigations these malformations can occasionally be identified prenatally. In these cases questions of intrauterine therapy, mode and time of delivery and postnatal treatment have to be discussed with the parents. We describe two cases with prenatal diagnosis of intracerebral arteriovenous malformations, diagnostic workup, therapeutic options and fetal outcome.

Outcome of pulmonary vascular disease in pregnancy: a systematic overview from 1978 through 1996

OBJECTIVES

Published reports were reviewed to evaluate the characteristics of peripartal management and the late pregnancy outcome in women with pulmonary vascular disease (PVD).

BACKGROUND

Pulmonary hypertension poses one of the highest risks for maternal mortality, but actual data on the maternal and neonatal prognosis in this group are lacking.

METHODS

Reports published from 1978 through 1996 of Eisenmenger's syndrome (n = 73), primary pulmonary hypertension (PPH) (n = 27) and secondary vascular pulmonary hypertension (SVPH) (n = 25) complicating late pregnancy were included and analyzed using logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

Maternal mortality was 36% in Eisenmenger's syndrome, 30% in PPH and 56% (p < 0.08 vs. other two groups) in SVPH. Except for three prepartal deaths due to Eisenmenger's syndrome, all fatalities occurred within 35 days after delivery. Neonatal survival ranging from 87% to 89% was similar in the three groups. Previous pregnancies, timing of the diagnosis and hospital admission, operative delivery and diastolic pulmonary artery pressure were significant univariate (p < 0.05) maternal risk factors. Late diagnosis (p = 0.002, odds ratio 5.4) and late hospital admission (p = 0.01, odds ratio 1.1 per week of pregnancy) were independent predictive risk factors of maternal mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

In the last two decades maternal mortality was comparable in patients with Eisenmenger's syndrome and PPH; however, it was relevantly higher in SVPH. Maternal prognosis depends on the early diagnosis of PVD, early hospital admission, individually tailored treatment during pregnancy and medical therapy and care focused on the postpartal period.

Anesthetic considerations for parturients with primary pulmonary hypertension: review of the literature and clinical presentation

Primary pulmonary hypertension, though uncommon, is found relatively frequently in women of childbearing age and carries a high peripartum mortality. We present a patient with severe primary pulmonary hypertension who underwent two cesarean sections 3 and 6 years after the diagnosis of primary pulmonary hypertension was made. Epidural anesthesia was provided on both occasions and resulted in a good maternal and fetal outcome. We have reviewed the literature as it relates to the choice of anesthetic technique and maternal outcome in patients with primary pulmonary hypertension.

Pulmonary hypertension, cardiac disease and pregnancy

OBJECTIVE

To ascertain the significance of coexisting pulmonary hypertension in cardiac disease in pregnancy.

METHODS

Over a 3-year period a group of pregnant women with cardiac disease was followed until 6 weeks postpartum. Twenty women with pulmonary hypertension were compared with 20 controls without pulmonary hypertension with particular reference to maternal and fetal outcome. Analysis of data was carried out using Fisher's exact test and Student's t-test.

RESULTS

Except for Eisenmenger's syndrome, there were no differences in maternal morbidity and mortality between the two groups. There were more low birth weight babies but no significant differences in premature delivery rate, mode of delivery or perinatal mortality.

CONCLUSION

Except for Eisenmenger's syndrome, coexisting pulmonary hypertension complicating cardiac disease in pregnancy generally has a favorable outcome for both mother and fetus.

Primary pulmonary hypertension in pregnancy: a case report

Primary pulmonary hypertension is a rare, incurable, and progressive disease. When it is associated with pregnancy, the mortality rises to > 50%. We report a patient who was diagnosed with severe pulmonary hypertension of unknown cause in the twenty-second week of gestation. She was treated with an oral calcium-channel blocker and low-molecular-weight heparin and underwent delivery by cesarean section with good maternal and fetal outcome. Patients with severe pulmonary hypertension should, however, avoid pregnancy because of the high mortality, although cases have been reported with positive outcome.

Pulmonary hypertension and pregnancy: a series of eight cases

This is the report of a series of eight patients with pulmonary hypertension (primary and secondary) who delivered at the McMaster University Medical Centre between 1978 and 1987. Seven of the eight patients delivered vaginally and had a successful outcome. The eighth patient was admitted as an emergency and died shortly after Caesarean section under general anaesthesia, performed to save the infant. The other seven patients were all managed by a team, including anaesthetists, cardiologists and obstetricians, from about 25 wk. The patients were hospitalized pre-partum and received oxygen therapy and anticoagulation with heparin. Analgesia in labour was managed, once anticoagulation was reversed, by low concentrations of epidural bupivacaine (0.125%-0.375%) and fentanyl. The patients were monitored during labour and delivery with oximetry and arterial and central venous pressure lines. Pulmonary arterial lines were not used because of increased risk and questionable usefulness. Vaginal delivery was managed with vacuum extraction or forceps lift-out to minimize the stress of pushing. After delivery, all patients were monitored in an intensive care unit for several days, anticoagulation was restarted, and all patients were discharged home taking oral anticoagulant therapy. The successful management of pulmonary hypertension in pregnancy should include team management started early in pregnancy and controlled vaginal delivery utilizing epidural analgesia.

Cyanotic congenital heart disease and pregnancy: natural selection, pulmonary hypertension, and anesthesia

Pregnancy carries substantial maternal and fetal risks in patients with uncorrected or palliatively corrected cyanotic congenital heart disease (CHD). In tricuspid valve Ebstein's anomaly, pregnancy is well tolerated. Maternal mortality in tetralogy of Fallot seems to be less than 10%, but it exceeds 50% in Eisenmenger's syndrome and primary pulmonary hypertension (PPH). Maternal hematocrit greater than 60%, arterial oxygen saturation lower than 80%, right ventricular hypertension, and syncopal episodes are poor prognostic signs. Maternal risk could be reduced by vaginal delivery. Continuous monitoring of arterial and central venous pressure, electrocardiography, and pulse oximetry are recommended for every anesthetic procedure. The use of a pulmonary artery catheter is controversial and probably should be avoided in parturients with cyanotic CHD or PPH. The choice of anesthetic technique and drugs per se is of secondary importance and should be governed by individual preferences. Titration of anesthetic drugs, general anesthesia with controlled ventilation, or, preferably, regional anesthesia with spontaneous breathing should be used cautiously to avoid worsening of the preexisting condition. Prevention of excessive erythrocytosis, volume and blood loss substitution, cardiocirculatory pharmacologic support, prophylaxis of infective endocarditis, and judicious use of anticoagulant drugs should be applied as indicated by the type and presentation of CHD. Poor outcome of pregnancy in PPH requires an early consideration of heart-lung or lung transplantation. Multidisciplinary team effort and prolonged monitoring in the intensive care unit are mandatory to ensure a favorable outcome for cyanotic CHD and PPH parturients.