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Circulatory arrest in late pregnancy: caesarean section a vital decision for both mother and child
Author(s) -
ZDOLSEK H. J.,
HOLMGREN S.,
WEDENBERG K.,
LENNMARKEN C.
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
acta anaesthesiologica scandinavica
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.738
H-Index - 107
eISSN - 1399-6576
pISSN - 0001-5172
DOI - 10.1111/j.1399-6576.2009.01970.x
Subject(s) - medicine , caesarean section , cardiopulmonary resuscitation , pregnancy , resuscitation , obstetrics and gynaecology , labour ward , intensive care medicine , medical emergency , emergency medicine , genetics , biology
Circulatory arrest during pregnancy is extremely rare and there should be a well‐planned strategy for its management in all hospitals. To consider the priority of the mother's life over the child's and an unwarranted pre‐term delivery may lead to hesitancy and uncertainty and jeopardize both of them. In these situations, speed is a priority. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation should commence immediately. The anaesthesiologist should be well aware of the possible advantage of a caesarean section. Even if the obstetrician is responsible for the decision to perform the operation, the anaesthesiologist should strongly support the action. An ‘emergency caesarean kit’ with the essential surgical instruments should be immediately available in every labour ward and emergency department.