Maternal cardiac arrest: a retrospective analysis

OBJECTIVES

To describe the characteristics and factors which may influence the maternal outcomes of maternal cardiac arrest (MCA).

DESIGN

Retrospective analysis of cases.

SETTING

China.

POPULATION OR SAMPLE

A total of 61 MCA patients admitted or transferred to The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University from January 2000 to December 2019.

METHODS

Clinical data for MCA were analysed retrospectively. The indicators included maternal age; BMI; gestational age; antenatal examination; income; MCA cause and place; cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR); mode of delivery; maternal prognosis; and neonatal outcome.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The impact of case characteristics on maternal prognosis of MCA.

RESULTS

The hospital received 61 patients with MCA, 36 of whom died (mortality 59.0%, 95% CI 46.3-71.7%). MCA was predominantly caused by treatable complications. Those who died were more likely to have collapsed in the ICU.

CONCLUSIONS

Regular antenatal examination and early intervention can reduce the incidence of adverse pregnancy outcomes. The location of MCA occurred may be related to maternal prognosis. The leading causes of MCA were postpartum haemorrhage and amniotic fluid embolism.

TWEETABLE ABSTRACT

A retrospective analysis describes the correlation between case characteristics of MCA and maternal outcomes.

Incidence, outcomes and guideline compliance of out-of-hospital maternal cardiac arrest resuscitations: A population-based cohort study

BACKGROUND

Incidence and survival rates after cardiac arrest among pregnant women are reported for in-hospital cardiac arrests; the incidence and outcomes of maternal out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) are unknown. Current cardiopulmonary resuscitation guidelines contain recommendations specific to this population; compliance with these has not been investigated.

OBJECTIVE

To report maternal OHCA incidence, outcomes, and compliance with recommended treatment guidelines.

METHODS

A population-based cohort study of consecutive maternal OHCAs from 2010 to 2014. Census data of all women of childbearing age provided the comparison. Resuscitation performance was measured against the 2010 American Heart Association (AHA) Guidelines.

RESULTS

Six maternal OHCAs were identified among 1085 OHCAs occurring in females of child bearing age (15-49) years; Incidence 1.71 per 100,000 pregnant women (95% CI 0.21 to 6.18) vs. 20.18 OHCAs per 100,000 females of child bearing age (95% CI, 18 to 22.62) p < 0.0001. Survival to hospital discharge was 16.7% (95% CI 3.0, 56.4%) after maternal OHCA vs. 6.8% (95% CI 5.4, 8.4) p < 0.0001 after OHCA in all females of childbearing age, and neonatal survival was 33.3% (95% CI 9.7, 70%). CPR quality metric compliance averaged 83% (range 75% to 100%); compliance with pregnancy-specific resuscitation guidelines ranged from 0% (uterine displacement) to 100% (intravenous line insertion above diaphragm and prehospital maternal team activation).

CONCLUSION

The incidence of maternal OHCA was 1.71:100,000. Survival was higher after maternal OHCA than after OHCA of non-pregnant females of childbearing age. Pregnancy-specific guideline compliance was low suggesting a need for training and better documentation to improve outcomes in these rare events.

Cardiac arrest in pregnancy

Cardiac arrest in pregnancy is a rare and frightening event. Although not every obstetrician will encounter cardiac arrest in pregnancy during their career, it is imperative to be prepared to manage this acute emergency. The management is particularly complex due to maternal physiologic changes from pregnancy and the simultaneous management of two patients, the mother and fetus. In 2010, the American Heart Association released their first scientific statement on guidelines for management of cardiac arrest in pregnancy that has since been updated in 2015. All providers who care for pregnant patients should be aware of these guidelines and ready to manage cardiac arrest in pregnancy because correct and timely interventions can affect real world outcomes.

Guidelines for the Management of a Pregnant Trauma Patient

OBJECTIVE

Physical trauma affects 1 in 12 pregnant women and has a major impact on maternal mortality and morbidity and on pregnancy outcome. A multidisciplinary approach is warranted to optimize outcome for both the mother and her fetus. The aim of this document is to provide the obstetric care provider with an evidence-based systematic approach to the pregnant trauma patient.

OUTCOMES

Significant health and economic outcomes considered in comparing alternative practices.

EVIDENCE

Published literature was retrieved through searches of Medline, CINAHL, and The Cochrane Library from October 2007 to September 2013 using appropriate controlled vocabulary (e.g., pregnancy, Cesarean section, hypotension, domestic violence, shock) and key words (e.g., trauma, perimortem Cesarean, Kleihauer-Betke, supine hypotension, electrical shock). Results were restricted to systematic reviews, randomized control trials/controlled clinical trials, and observational studies published in English between January 1968 and September 2013. Searches were updated on a regular basis and incorporated in the guideline to February 2014. Grey (unpublished) literature was identified through searching the websites of health technology assessment and health technology-related agencies, clinical practice guideline collections, clinical trial registries, and national and international medical specialty societies.

VALUES

The quality of evidence in this document was rated using the criteria described in the Report of the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care (Table 1).

BENEFITS, HARMS, AND COSTS

This guideline is expected to facilitate optimal and uniform care for pregnancies complicated by trauma. Summary Statement Specific traumatic injuries At this time, there is insufficient evidence to support the practice of disabling air bags for pregnant women. (III) Recommendations Primary survey 1. Every female of reproductive age with significant injuries should be considered pregnant until proven otherwise by a definitive pregnancy test or ultrasound scan. (III-C) 2. A nasogastric tube should be inserted in a semiconscious or unconscious injured pregnant woman to prevent aspiration of acidic gastric content. (III-C) 3. Oxygen supplementation should be given to maintain maternal oxygen saturation > 95% to ensure adequate fetal oxygenation. (II-1B) 4. If needed, a thoracostomy tube should be inserted in an injured pregnant woman 1 or 2 intercostal spaces higher than usual. (III-C) 5. Two large bore (14 to 16 gauge) intravenous lines should be placed in a seriously injured pregnant woman. (III-C) 6. Because of their adverse effect on uteroplacental perfusion, vasopressors in pregnant women should be used only for intractable hypotension that is unresponsive to fluid resuscitation. (II-3B) 7. After mid-pregnancy, the gravid uterus should be moved off the inferior vena cava to increase venous return and cardiac output in the acutely injured pregnant woman. This may be achieved by manual displacement of the uterus or left lateral tilt. Care should be taken to secure the spinal cord when using left lateral tilt. (II-1B) 8. To avoid rhesus D (Rh) alloimmunization in Rh-negative mothers, O-negative blood should be transfused when needed until cross-matched blood becomes available. (I-A) 9. The abdominal portion of military anti-shock trousers should not be inflated on a pregnant woman because this may reduce placental perfusion. (II-3B) Transfer to health care facility 10. Transfer or transport to a maternity facility (triage of a labour and delivery unit) is advocated when injuries are neither life- nor limb-threatening and the fetus is viable (≥ 23 weeks), and to the emergency room when the fetus is under 23 weeks' gestational age or considered to be non-viable. When the injury is major, the patient should be transferred or transported to the trauma unit or emergency room, regardless of gestational age. (III-B) 11. When the severity of injury is undetermined or when the gestational age is uncertain, the patient should be evaluated in the trauma unit or emergency room to rule out major injuries. (III-C) Evaluation of a pregnant trauma patient in the emergency room 12. In cases of major trauma, the assessment, stabilization, and care of the pregnant women is the first priority; then, if the fetus is viable (≥ 23 weeks), fetal heart rate auscultation and fetal monitoring can be initiated and an obstetrical consultation obtained as soon as feasible. (II-3B) 13. In pregnant women with a viable fetus (≥ 23 weeks) and suspected uterine contractions, placental abruption, or traumatic uterine rupture, urgent obstetrical consultation is recommended. (II-3B) 14. In cases of vaginal bleeding at or after 23 weeks, speculum or digital vaginal examination should be deferred until placenta previa is excluded by a prior or current ultrasound scan. (III-C) Adjunctive tests for maternal assessment 15. Radiographic studies indicated for maternal evaluation including abdominal computed tomography should not be deferred or delayed due to concerns regarding fetal exposure to radiation. (II-2B) 16. Use of gadolinium-based contrast agents can be considered when maternal benefit outweighs potential fetal risks. (III-C) 17. In addition to the routine blood tests, a pregnant trauma patient should have a coagulation panel including fibrinogen. (III-C) 18. Focused abdominal sonography for trauma should be considered for detection of intraperitoneal bleeding in pregnant trauma patients. (II-3B) 19. Abdominal computed tomography may be considered as an alternative to diagnostic peritoneal lavage or open lavage when intra-abdominal bleeding is suspected. (III-C) Fetal assessment 20. All pregnant trauma patients with a viable pregnancy (≥ 23 weeks) should undergo electronic fetal monitoring for at least 4 hours. (II-3B) 21. Pregnant trauma patients (≥ 23 weeks) with adverse factors including uterine tenderness, significant abdominal pain, vaginal bleeding, sustained contractions (> 1/10 min), rupture of the membranes, atypical or abnormal fetal heart rate pattern, high risk mechanism of injury, or serum fibrinogen < 200 mg/dL should be admitted for observation for 24 hours. (III-B) 22. Anti-D immunoglobulin should be given to all rhesus D-negative pregnant trauma patients. (III-B) 23. In Rh-negative pregnant trauma patients, quantification of maternal-fetal hemorrhage by tests such as Kleihauer-Betke should be done to determine the need for additional doses of anti-D immunoglobulin. (III-B) 24. An urgent obstetrical ultrasound scan should be undertaken when the gestational age is undetermined and need for delivery is anticipated. (III-C) 25. All pregnant trauma patients with a viable pregnancy who are admitted for fetal monitoring for greater than 4 hours should have an obstetrical ultrasound prior to discharge from hospital. (III-C) 26. Fetal well-being should be carefully documented in cases involving violence, especially for legal purposes. (III-C) Obstetrical complications of trauma 27. Management of suspected placental abruption should not be delayed pending confirmation by ultrasonography as ultrasound is not a sensitive tool for its diagnosis. (II-3D) Specific traumatic injuries 28. Tetanus vaccination is safe in pregnancy and should be given when indicated. (II-3B) 29. Every woman who sustains trauma should be questioned specifically about domestic or intimate partner violence. (II-3B) 30. During prenatal visits, the caregiver should emphasize the importance of wearing seatbelts properly at all times. (II-2B) Perimortem Caesarean section 31. A Caesarean section should be performed for viable pregnancies (≥ 23 weeks) no later than 4 minutes (when possible) following maternal cardiac arrest to aid with maternal resuscitation and fetal salvage. (III-B).

Alterations in physiology and anatomy during pregnancy

Pregnant women undergo profound anatomical and physiological changes so that they can cope with the increased physical and metabolic demands of their pregnancies. The cardiovascular, respiratory, haematological, renal, gastrointestinal and endocrine systems all undergo important physiological alterations and adaptations needed to allow development of the fetus and to allow the mother and fetus to survive the demands of childbirth. Such alterations in anatomy and physiology may cause difficulties in interpreting signs, symptoms, and biochemical investigations, making the clinical assessment of a pregnant woman inevitably confusing but challenging. Understanding these changes is important for every practicing obstetrician, as the pathological deviations from the normal physiological alterations may not be clear-cut until an adverse outcome has resulted. Only with a sound knowledge of the physiology and anatomy changes can the care of an obstetric parturient be safely optimized for a better maternal and fetal outcome.

Cardiac disease in pregnancy

Cardiac disease is the leading cause of maternal mortality in the UK. The major causes of cardiac deaths in pregnancy include cardiomyopathy, myocardial infarction, ischaemic heart disease and dissection of the thoracic aorta. With increasing numbers of migrant women in the UK, rheumatic heart disease in pregnancy has also re-emerged. Women with uncorrected congenital heart disease and those who have undergone corrective or palliative surgery may have complicated pregnancies. Women with metal prosthetic valves face difficult decisions regarding anticoagulation in pregnancy and have an increased risk of haemorrhage. Not all women with significant heart disease are able to meet the increased physiological demands of pregnancy. The care of pregnant women with heart disease thus requires a multidisciplinary approach, involving obstetricians, cardiologists and anaesthetists. This allows appropriate surveillance of maternal and fetal wellbeing, as well as planning and documentation of the management of elective and emergency delivery. This review discusses common cardiac conditions encountered in pregnancy and their antenatal and intrapartum management.

Sudden Death of a Pregnant Woman in Third Trimester with No Risk Factor

Acute myocardial infarction in pregnancy is rare and life-threatening for both the mother and the fetus. We present the case of a 31-year-old previously healthy woman with no risk factors at 32 weeks of gestation who applied with vomiting, dyspnea and orthopnea. A respiratory arrest developed followed by loss of the fetal viability, cardiac arrest, and failure of resuscitation. We aim to raise awareness about the clinical approach to pregnant patients who are to be considered with a broad spectrum of differential diagnosis.