Open AccessSevere asthma postpartum: an anaesthetic and obstetric dilemma
Author(s) -
Liotiri Despoina,
Shonfeld Adam
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
anaesthesia cases
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2396-8397
DOI - 10.21466/ac.sapaaao.2016
Subject(s) - uterine atony , medicine , population , multidisciplinary approach , intensive care medicine , medical emergency , asthma , pregnancy , obstetrics , surgery , hysterectomy , social science , environmental health , sociology , biology , genetics
Summary We present a case of maternal collapse following a normal vaginal delivery associated with an acute severe asthma attack immediately postpartum and subsequent major primary postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) due to potential drug‐induced uterine atony. This case highlights the challenges healthcare professionals face when dealing with rare emergencies, particularly medical emergencies in the obstetric population. Three clear learning points emerged from this case. First, treatment of acute severe asthma with a combination of agents such as salbutamol and magnesium may be lifesaving but can lead to severe complications such as uterine atony and PPH in the obstetric population. Secondly, inter‐professional shared situational awareness and a multidisciplinary management approach is crucial to the successful outcome of obstetric emergencies. Third, teams that work together should train together in the multidisciplinary management of obstetric and also of medical emergencies in the obstetric population.