Resistant Hypertension in Pregnancy: How to Manage?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The concept of resistant hypertension may be changed during pregnancy by the physiological hemodynamic changes and the particularities of therapy choices in this period. This review discusses the management of pregnant patients with preexisting resistant hypertension and also of those who develop severe hypertension in gestation and puerperium. RECENT FINDINGS: The main cause of severe hypertension in pregnancy is preeclampsia, and differential diagnosis must be done with secondary or primary hypertension. Women with preexisting resistant hypertension may need pharmacological therapy adjustment. Several drugs can be used to treat severe hypertension, with exception of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin II receptor antagonists. The most used drugs are methyldopa, beta-blockers, and calcium channel antagonists. There is a general agreement that severe hypertension must be treated, but there are still debates over the goals of the treatment. Delivery is indicated in viable pregnancies in which blood pressure control is not achieved with three drugs in full doses. Resistant hypertension may arise in postpartum. The management of resistant hypertension in pregnancy must regard the possible etiology, the fetal well-being, and the mother's risk. Good care is mandatory to reduce maternal mortality risk.

Impact of Gamma COVID-19 variant on the prognosis of hospitalized pregnant and postpartum women with cardiovascular disease.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to assess the impact of the Gamma coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) variant on pregnant and postpartum women with Cardiovascular Disease (CVD). METHODS: The Influenza Epidemiological Surveillance System database (SIVEP-Gripe), a compulsory notification system for cases of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), was investigated for notified cases of pregnant and postpartum women with reported CVD and SARS due to COVID-19 between February 16, 2020 and May 1, 2021 (when vaccination began), was investigated. In this retrospective cohort, two groups were formed based on symptom onset date, according to the predominance of the variants: original (group 2020) and Gamma (group 2021). Cases with missing information on the presence or absence of CVD were excluded. The comparative analysis was controlled for confounding variables. RESULTS: Among 703 COVID-19 cases notified with CVD (406 patients in 2020 and 297 patients in 2021), compared to 2020, cases in 2021 had more respiratory symptoms (90.6 % vs. 80.1 %, p < 0.001), greater ventilatory support need (75.3 % vs. 53.9 %, p < 0.001), more ICU admission (46.6 % vs. 34.3 %, p = 0.002), longer duration (20.59 ± 14.47 vs. 16.52 ± 12.98 days, p < 0.001), higher mortality (25.6 % vs. 15.5 %, p < 0.001), with more than two-times mortality likelihood in the third trimester (adjusted OR = 2.41, 95 % CI 1.50-3.88, p < 0.001) or puerperium periods (adjusted_OR = 2.15, 95 % CI 1.34-3.44, p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In Brazil, pregnant and postpartum women with CVDs in the Gamma variant phase have higher morbidity and mortality than those affected by the original variant of Coronavirus-19.

Cardiovascular diseases worsen the maternal prognosis of COVID-19.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are a risk factor for severe cases of COVID-19. There are no studies evaluating whether the presence of CVD in pregnant and postpartum women with COVID-19 is associated with a worse prognosis. In an anonymized open database of the Ministry of Health, we selected cases of pregnant and postpartum women who were hospitalized due to COVID-19 infection and with data regarding their CVD status. In the SIVEP GRIPE data dictionary, CVD is defined as "presence of cardiovascular disease", excluding those of neurological and nephrological causes that are pointed out in another field. The patients were divided into two groups according to the presence or absence of CVD (CVD and non-CVD groups). Among the 1,876,953 reported cases, 3,562 confirmed cases of pregnant and postpartum women were included, of which 602 had CVD. Patients with CVD had an older age (p<0,001), a higher incidence of diabetes (p<0,001) and obesity (p<0,001), a higher frequency of systemic (p<0,001) and respiratory symptoms (p<0,001). CVD was a risk factor for ICU admission (p<0,001), ventilatory support (p = 0.004) and orotracheal intubation in the third trimester (OR 1.30 CI95%1.04-1.62). The group CVD had a higher mortality (18.9% vs. 13.5%, p<0,001), with a 32% higher risk of death (OR 1.32 CI95%1.16-1.50). Moreover, the risk was increased in the second (OR 1.94 CI95%1.43-2.63) and third (OR 1.29 CI95%1.04-1.60) trimesters, as well as puerperium (OR 1.27 CI95%1.03-1.56). Hospitalized obstetric patients with CVD and COVID-19 are more symptomatic. Their management demand more ICU admission and ventilatory support and the mortality is higher.

Venous thromboembolism risk score during hospitalization in pregnancy: results of 10694 prospective evaluations in a clinical trial.

OBJECTIVES: Hospitalization during pregnancy and childbirth increases the risk of Venous Thromboembolism Risk (VTE). This study applied a VTE risk score to all hospitalized pregnant women to ascertain its effectiveness in preventing maternal death from VTE until 3 months after discharge. METHODS: In this interventional study, patients were classified as low- or high-risk according to the VTE risk score (Clinics Hospital risk score). High-risk patients (score ≥ 3) were scheduled for pharmacological Thromboprophylaxis (TPX). Interaction analysis of the main risk factors was performed using Odds Ratio (OR) and Poisson regression with robust variance. RESULTS: The data of 10694 cases (7212 patients) were analyzed; 1626 (15.2%, 1000 patients) and 9068 (84.8%, 6212 patients) cases were classified as high-risk (score ≥ 3) and low-risk (score < 3), respectively. The main risk factors (Odds Ratio, 95% Confidence Interval) for VTE were age ≥ 35 and < 40 years (1.6, 1.4-1.8), parity ≥ 3 (3.5, 3.0-4.0), age ≥ 40 years (4.8, 4.1-5.6), multiple pregnancies (2.1, 1.7-2.5), BMI ≥ 40 kg/m2 (5.1, 4.3-6.0), severe infection (4.1, 3.3-5.1), and cancer (12.3, 8.8-17.2). There were 10 cases of VTE: 7/1636 (0.4%) and 3/9068 (0.03%) in the high- and low-risk groups, respectively. No patient died of VTE. The intervention reduced the VTE risk by 87%; the number needed to treat was 3. CONCLUSIONS: This VTE risk score was effective in preventing maternal deaths from VTE, with a low indication for TPX. Maternal age, multiparity, obesity, severe infections, multiple pregnancies, and cancer were the main risk factors for VTE.

Pregnancy in Women with Complex Congenital Heart Disease. A Constant Challenge.

BACKGROUND: The improvement in surgical techniques has contributed to an increasing number of childbearing women with complex congenital heart disease (CCC). However, adequate counseling about pregnancy in this situation is uncertain, due to a wide variety of residual cardiac lesions. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate fetal and maternal outcomes in pregnant women with CCC and to analyze the predictive variables of prognosis. METHODS: During 10 years we followed 435 consecutive pregnancies in patients (pts) with congenital heart disease. Among of them, we selected 42 pregnancies in 40 (mean age of 25.5 ± 4.5 years) pts with CCC, who had been advised against pregnancy. The distribution of underlying cardiac lesions were: D-Transposition of the great arteries, pulmonary atresia, tricuspid atresia, single ventricle, double-outlet ventricle and truncus arteriosus. The surgical procedures performed before gestation were: Fontan, Jatene, Rastelli, Senning, Mustard and other surgical techniques, including Blalock, Taussing, and Glenn. Eight (20,0%) pts did not have previous surgery. Nineteen 19 (47.5%) pts had hypoxemia. The clinical follow-up protocol included oxygen saturation recording, hemoglobin and hematocrit values; medication adjustment to pregnancy, anticoagulation use, when necessary, and hospitalization from 28 weeks, in severe cases. The statistical significance level considered was p < 0.05. RESULTS: Only seventeen (40.5%) pregnancies had maternal and fetal uneventful courses. There were 13 (30.9%) maternal complications, two (4.7%) maternal deaths due to hemorrhage pos-partum and severe pre-eclampsia, both of them in women with hypoxemia. There were 7 (16.6%) stillbirths and 17 (40.5%) premature babies. Congenital heart disease was identified in two (4.1%) infants. Maternal and fetal complications were higher (p < 0.05) in women with hypoxemia. CONCLUSIONS: Pregnancy in women with CCC was associated to high maternal and offspring risks. Hypoxemia was a predictive variable of poor maternal and fetal outcomes. Women with CCC should be advised against pregnancy, even when treated in specialized care centers.

[Maternal and perinatal outcome in patients with severe systolic dysfunction]. / Resultados maternos e perinatais em pacientes com disfunção sistólica grave.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate maternal and fetal outcome in patients with severe left ventricle systolic dysfunction followed in a tertiary-care hospital. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated 12 pregnant women with severe systolic dysfunction, defined as a ejection fraction<40%. Follow-up data included functional class evaluation, occurrence of cardiac and obstetric events, labor data and neonatal outcome. Cardiac events were defined as new onset of arrhythmias, stroke, pulmonary thrombosis, pulmonary edema, cardiac arrest, and death. RESULTS: The mean ejection fraction was 28.9+/-6.47%. Four patients were in the NYHA class III, and 8 in class I or II on presentation. Ten patients had deteriorated during pregnancy. The most common cardiac event was pulmonary edema (3 patients). Three of the four patients with class III on presentation had a good evolution during pregnancy, and the other one had preterm delivery due to worsening symptoms. There were 2 vaginal spontaneous deliveries and 10 cesarean sections. Small-for-gestational-age birthweight occurred in 10 pregnancies. There was no maternal or neonatal death. CONCLUSIONS: Pregnancy in patients with severe left ventricle systolic dysfunction increases the risk of maternal complications and compromises fetal growth. It is important to follow this women in a tertiary-care hospital.

Can thrombophilia worsen maternal and perinatal outcomes in cases of severe preeclampsia?

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether thrombophilia worsens maternal and foetal outcomes among patients with severe preeclampsia (PE). METHOD: From October 2009 to October 2014, an observational retrospective cohort study was performed on pregnant women with severe PE diagnosed before 34 weeks of gestation and their newborns hospitalized at the Clinics Hospital, FMUSP. Patients who had no heart disease, nephropathies, pre-gestational diabetes, gestational trophoblastic disease, foetal malformation, or twin pregnancy and who underwent thrombophilia screening during the postnatal period were included. New pregnancies of the same patient; cases of foetal morphological, genetic, or chromosomal abnormalities after birth; and women who used heparin or acetylsalicylic acid during pregnancy were excluded. Factor V Leiden, G20210A prothrombin mutation, antithrombin, protein C, protein S, homocysteine, lupus anticoagulant, and anticardiolipin IgG and IgM antibodies were analysed. The groups with and without thrombophilia were compared regarding their maternal clinical and laboratory parameters and perinatal outcomes. RESULTS: Of the 127 patients selected, 30 (23.6%) had thrombophilia (hereditary or acquired). We found more white patients in thrombophilia group (p = .036). Analysis of maternal parameters showed a tendency of thrombophilic women to have more thrombocytopenia (p = .056) and showed worsening of composite laboratory abnormalities (aspartate aminotransferase ≥ 70 mg/dL, alanine aminotransferase ≥ 70 mg/dL, platelets < 100,000/mm3, serum creatinine ≥ 1.1 mg/dL; p = .017). There were no differences in foetal perinatal outcomes. CONCLUSION: The presence of thrombophilia leads to worsening of maternal laboratory parameters among patients with severe forms of PE but without worsening perinatal outcomes.

Venous thromboembolism risk score during hospitalization in pregnancy: results of 10694 prospective evaluations in a clinical trial

Abstract Objectives Hospitalization during pregnancy and childbirth increases the risk of Venous Thromboembolism Risk (VTE). This study applied a VTE risk score to all hospitalized pregnant women to ascertain its effectiveness in preventing maternal death from VTE until 3 months after discharge. Methods In this interventional study, patients were classified as low- or high-risk according to the VTE risk score (Clinics Hospital risk score). High-risk patients (score ≥ 3) were scheduled for pharmacological Thromboprophylaxis (TPX). Interaction analysis of the main risk factors was performed using Odds Ratio (OR) and Poisson regression with robust variance. Results The data of 10694 cases (7212 patients) were analyzed; 1626 (15.2%, 1000 patients) and 9068 (84.8%, 6212 patients) cases were classified as high-risk (score ≥ 3) and low-risk (score < 3), respectively. The main risk factors (Odds Ratio, 95% Confidence Interval) for VTE were age ≥ 35 and < 40 years (1.6, 1.4-1.8), parity ≥ 3 (3.5, 3.0-4.0), age ≥ 40 years (4.8, 4.1-5.6), multiple pregnancies (2.1, 1.7-2.5), BMI ≥ 40 kg/m2 (5.1, 4.3-6.0), severe infection (4.1, 3.3-5.1), and cancer (12.3, 8.8-17.2). There were 10 cases of VTE: 7/1636 (0.4%) and 3/9068 (0.03%) in the high- and low-risk groups, respectively. No patient died of VTE. The intervention reduced the VTE risk by 87%; the number needed to treat was 3. Conclusions This VTE risk score was effective in preventing maternal deaths from VTE, with a low indication for TPX. Maternal age, multiparity, obesity, severe infections, multiple pregnancies, and cancer were the main risk factors for VTE.

Pregnancy in patients with heart disease: experience with 1,000 cases.

BACKGROUND: Previously, the high maternal mortality in cardiac patients who became pregnant prompted the assertion: Women with an abnormal heart should not become pregnant. This long-standing notion needs to be revised today. HYPOTHESIS: The study was undertaken to ascertain the experience with a large series of pregnant women with cardiac disease cared for in the same referral center. METHODS: From 1989 to 1999, 1,000 pregnant women with heart disease were followed by the same clinical and obstetric team. The cardiac diseases included rheumatic heart disease (55.7%), congenital heart disease (19.1%), Chagas' disease (8.5%), cardiac arrhythmias (5.1%), cardiomyopathies (4.3%), and others (7.3%). RESULTS: Of the pregnant women studied, 765 (76.5%) experienced no cardiovascular events during the study; 235 (23.5%) patients had the following cardiovascular complications: congestive heart failure (12.3%), cardiac arrhythmias (6%), thromboembolism (1.9%), angina (1.4%), hypoxemia (0.7%), infective endocarditis (0.5%), and other complications (0.7%). Clinical treatment allowed adequate management in 161 (68.8%) patients; however, 46 (19.6%) patients underwent interventional procedures because of refractory complications. The general maternal mortality rate was 2.7%. Of the 915 (91.5%) infants who were discharged, 119 (13%) were premature. CONCLUSION: Pregnancy in women with heart disease is still associated with considerable morbidity and mortality rates, which strongly correlate to maternal underlying disease. Strict prenatal care and early risk stratification during gestation are fundamental measures to improve the prognosis of pregnancy in women with heart disease.

Pregnancy in Women with Complex Congenital Heart Disease. A Constant Challenge / Gravidez em Portadoras de Cardiopatias Congênitas Complexas: Um Constante Desafio

Abstract Background: The improvement in surgical techniques has contributed to an increasing number of childbearing women with complex congenital heart disease (CCC). However, adequate counseling about pregnancy in this situation is uncertain, due to a wide variety of residual cardiac lesions. Objectives: To evaluate fetal and maternal outcomes in pregnant women with CCC and to analyze the predictive variables of prognosis. Methods: During 10 years we followed 435 consecutive pregnancies in patients (pts) with congenital heart disease. Among of them, we selected 42 pregnancies in 40 (mean age of 25.5 ± 4.5 years) pts with CCC, who had been advised against pregnancy. The distribution of underlying cardiac lesions were: D-Transposition of the great arteries, pulmonary atresia, tricuspid atresia, single ventricle, double-outlet ventricle and truncus arteriosus. The surgical procedures performed before gestation were: Fontan, Jatene, Rastelli, Senning, Mustard and other surgical techniques, including Blalock, Taussing, and Glenn. Eight (20,0%) pts did not have previous surgery. Nineteen 19 (47.5%) pts had hypoxemia. The clinical follow-up protocol included oxygen saturation recording, hemoglobin and hematocrit values; medication adjustment to pregnancy, anticoagulation use, when necessary, and hospitalization from 28 weeks, in severe cases. The statistical significance level considered was p < 0.05. Results: Only seventeen (40.5%) pregnancies had maternal and fetal uneventful courses. There were 13 (30.9%) maternal complications, two (4.7%) maternal deaths due to hemorrhage pos-partum and severe pre-eclampsia, both of them in women with hypoxemia. There were 7 (16.6%) stillbirths and 17 (40.5%) premature babies. Congenital heart disease was identified in two (4.1%) infants. Maternal and fetal complications were higher (p < 0.05) in women with hypoxemia. Conclusions: Pregnancy in women with CCC was associated to high maternal and offspring risks. Hypoxemia was a predictive variable of poor maternal and fetal outcomes. Women with CCC should be advised against pregnancy, even when treated in specialized care centers.

Resumo Fundamento: A contínua habilidade na conduta das cardiopatias congênitas complexas (CCC) tem permitido o alcance da idade fértil. Contudo, a heterogeneidade das lesões cardíacas na idade adulta limita a estimativa do prognóstico da gravidez. Objetivo: Estudar a evolução materno-fetal das gestantes portadoras de CCC e analisar as variáveis presumíveis de prognóstico. Método: No período de 10 anos, 435 gestantes portadoras de cardiopatias congênitas foram consecutivamente incluídas no Registro do Instituto do Coração (Registro-InCor). Dentre elas, foram selecionadas 42 gestações em 40 mulheres com CCC (24,5 ± 3,4 anos) que haviam sido desaconselhadas a engravidar. As cardiopatias de base distribuíram-se em: transposição das grandes artérias, atresia pulmonar, atresia tricúspide, ventrículo único, dupla via de saída de ventrículo direito, dupla via de entrada de ventrículo esquerdo e outras lesões estruturais. As cirurgias realizadas foram Rastelli, Fontan, Jatene, Senning, Mustard e outros procedimentos combinados, como tunelização, Blalock Taussing e Glenn. Oito pacientes (20%) não haviam sido operadas, e 19 (47,5%) apresentavam hipoxemia. O protocolo de atendimento incluiu: registro da saturação de oxigênio, hemoglobina sérica, hematócrito, ajuste das medicações, anticoagulação individualizada e hospitalização a partir de 28 semanas de gestação, em face da gravidade do quadro clínico e obstétrico. Na análise estatística, o nível de significância adotado foi de 0,05. Resultado: Somente 17 gestações (40,5%) não tiveram complicações maternas nem fetais. Houve 13 problemas maternos (30,9%) e 2 mortes (4,7%) causadas por hemorragia pós-parto e pré-eclâmpsia grave, ambas em pacientes que apresentavam hipoxemia. Houve 7 perdas fetais (16,6%), 17 bebês prematuros (40,5%) e 2 recém-nascidos (4,7%) com cardiopatia congênita. As complicações materno-fetais foram significativamente maiores em pacientes que apresentavam hipoxemia (p < 0,05). Conclusão: O alcance da idade reprodutiva em pacientes com CCC é crescente; contudo, a má evolução materno-fetal desaconselha a gravidez, particularmente nas pacientes que apresentam hipoxemia.

Use of a minimally invasive uncalibrated cardiac output monitor in patients undergoing cesarean section under spinal anesthesia: report of four cases.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Hemodynamic changes are observed during cesarean section under spinal anesthesia. Non-invasive blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR) measurements are performed to diagnose these changes, but they are delayed and inaccurate. Other monitors such as filling pressure and cardiac output (CO) catheters with external calibration are very invasive or inaccurate. The objective of the present study was to report the cardiac output measurements obtained with a minimally invasive uncalibrated monitor (LiDCO rapid) in patients undergoing cesarean section under spinal anesthesia. CASE REPORT: After approval by the Ethics Commission, four patients agreed to participate in this study. They underwent cesarean section under spinal anesthesia while at the same time being connected to the LiDCO rapid by a radial artery line. Cardiac output, HR, and BP were recorded at baseline, after spinal anesthesia, after fetal and placental extraction, and after the infusion of oxytocin and metaraminol. We observed a fall in BP with an increase of HR and CO after spinal anesthesia and oxytocin infusion; and an increase in BP with a fall in HR and CO after bolus of the vasopressor. CONCLUSIONS: Although this monitor had not been calibrated, it showed a tendency for consistent hemodynamic data in obstetric patients and it may be used as a therapeutic guide or experimental tool.

Maternal-fetal outcome and prognosis of cardiac surgery during pregnancy.

BACKGROUND: Cardiac surgery improves the maternal prognosis in cases refractory to medical therapy. However, it is associated with risks to the fetus when performed during pregnancy. OBJECTIVE: To analyze maternal-fetal outcome and prognosis related to cardiac surgery performed during pregnancy and puerperium. METHODS: The outcome of 41 gestations of women undergoing cardiac surgery during pregnancy and puerperium was studied. Fetal cardiotocography was performed throughout the procedure in patients with gestational age above 20 weeks. RESULTS: Mean maternal age was 27.8 +/- 7.6 years; there was a predominance of patients with rheumatic valve disease (87.8%), of whom 15 (41.6%) underwent reoperation due to prosthetic valve dysfunction. Mean extracorporeal circulation time was 87.4+/- 43.6 min and hypothermia was used in 27 (67.5%) cases. Thirteen (31.7%) mothers experienced no events and gave birth to live healthy newborns. Postoperative outcome of the remaining 28 (68.3%) pregnancies showed: 17 (41.5%) maternal complications and three (7.3%) deaths; 12 (29.2%) fetal losses, and four (10%) cases of neurological malformation, two of which progressed to late death. One patient was lost to follow-up after surgery. Nine (21.9%) patients underwent emergency surgery, and this variable was correlated with maternal prognosis (p<0.001) CONCLUSION: Cardiac surgery during pregnancy allowed survival of 92.7% of the mothers, and 56.0% of the patients who presented cardiac complications refractory to medical therapy gave birth to healthy children. Worse maternal prognosis was correlated with emergency surgery.

Influence of pregnancy on clinical course and fetal outcome of women with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

OBJECTIVES: To study clinical evolution of women with HCM during pregnancy; the influencing factors of gestation on natural course of HCM and the frequency of HCM in their children in early childhood. METHODS: A prospective study was conducted in 35 women with HCM; there were 23 pregnant women (PG group) and 12 nonpregnant control patients (NP group), matched for age and functional class (FC). Clinical monthly evaluations were carried out and electrocardiogram and transthoracic echocardiography tests were performed. The offspring endpoints included stillbirth and prematurity rates and investigation of HCM during childhood. RESULTS: No deaths occurred in either group. Cardiac arrhythmias were significantly (p< 0.05) more frequent in the NP group (33.3% vs. 13.4%), and no differences were observed between the groups (p>0.05) in heart failure (30.3% vs. 16.6%) or ischemic stroke (4.3% vs. 8.3%) rates. In the PG group, required hospitalization for treatment of cardiac complication was more frequent (p=0.05) in patients with family history of HCM (71.4% vs. 25.0%). Cesarean section was performed in 12 (52%) patients, for obstetrical reasons; there were 7 (30.4%) premature babies and 1 (4.3%) neonatal death. One child was clinically diagnosed as having HCM, and his genetic study identified a mutation in the beta myosin heavy chain gene, located on chromosome 14. CONCLUSION: Heart failure is a frequent cardiac complication in women with HCM during pregnancy, particularly in patients with family history of the disease, but this did not influence the natural course of HCM. In one child, clinical examination allowed HCM identification during early childhood.

Gestação em pacientes com síndrome de Klippel-Trenaunay: relatos de dois casos / Pregnancy in patients with Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome: two case reports

Contexto: A síndrome de Klippel-Trenaunay é uma condição congênita rara caracterizada por uma tríade de anormalidades:malformações capilares, venosas e hipertrofia óssea e de tecidos moles. A gestação em pacientes portadoras dessa síndrome é historicamente desencorajada devido ao possível alto risco obstétrico pela exacerbação da síndrome, havendo apenas 21 casos descritos.Relato de caso: O presente relato apresenta a evolução obstétrica de duas gestantes portadoras de síndrome de Klippel-Trenaunay acompanhadas em São Paulo, Brasil, descrevendo as intercorrências obstétricas, o manejo dessas pacientes e sua evolução. As complicações obstétricas observadas foram: piora da assimetria corporal, sangramento dos hemangiomas cutâneos, fenômenos tromboembólicos, edema importante de membros inferiores. Não foramobservadas complicações fetais. Discussão: As complicações maternas são frequentes e podem estar associadas ao tempo de evolução da síndrome de Klippel -Trenaunay e, principalmente, à gravidade da doença. Embora possa haverexacerbação das manifestações prévias da síndrome, com hemorragia, coagulação intravascular disseminada, eventostromboembólicos e dor, em geral, observam-se complicações menores, cujo manejo conservador permite boa evolução obstétrica, exceção feita a um caso de malformação congênita.Conclusão: Não há evidências com base na literatura preexistente para desencorajar a gestação nessas pacientes. O entendimento da síndrome e cuidado multidisciplinar pré-natal, intra e pós-parto mostram-se fundamentais para o bom desfecho da gestação.

Utilização de monitor minimamente invasivo não calibrado de débito cardíaco em pacientes submetidas à cesariana sob raquianestesia: relato de quatro casos / Use of a minimally invasive uncalibrated cardiac output monitor in patients undergoing cesarean section under spinal anesthesia: report of four cases

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: Durante cesariana sob raquianestesia observam-se alterações hemodinâmicas. São realizadas medidas de pressão arterial (PA) não invasiva e de frequência cardíaca (FC) para diagnosticar essas alterações, mas com atraso e imprecisão. Outros monitores como cateteres de pressão de enchimento e débito cardíaco (DC) com calibração externa são muito invasivos ou imprecisos. O objetivo deste estudo foi relatar as medidas de débito cardíaco obtidas por um monitor minimamente invasivo não calibrado (LiDCO rapid) em pacientes submetidas à cesariana sob raquianestesia. RELATO DO CASO: Após aprovação da comissão de ética, quatro pacientes consentiram em participar do estudo. Elas foram submetidas à cesariana sob raquianestesia quando estavam conectadas ao LiDCO rapid por uma linha arterial radial. Os dados de DC, FC e BP foram registrados no momento basal, após instalação da raquianestesia, após extração fetal e placentária e após infusão de ocitocina e metaraminol. Foram observadas queda da PA, com aumento da FC e DC após a raquianestesia e infusão de ocitocina; e aumento da BP, com queda da FC e DC após bolus de vasopressor. CONCLUSÕES: Embora não calibrado, esse monitor produziu tendência de dados consistentes sobre a hemodinâmica de pacientes obstétricas e pode ser usado como guia terapêutico ou como ferramenta de pesquisa.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Hemodynamic changes are observed during cesarean section under spinal anesthesia. Non-invasive blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR) measurements are performed to diagnose these changes, but they are delayed and inaccurate. Other monitors such as filling pressure and cardiac output (CO) catheters with external calibration are very invasive or inaccurate. The objective of the present study was to report the cardiac output measurements obtained with a minimally invasive uncalibrated monitor (LiDCO rapid) in patients undergoing cesarean section under spinal anesthesia. CASE REPORT: After approval by the Ethics Commission, four patients agreed to participate in this study. They underwent cesarean section under spinal anesthesia while at the same time being connected to the LiDCO rapid by a radial artery line. Cardiac output, HR, and BP were recorded at baseline, after spinal anesthesia, after fetal and placental extraction, and after the infusion of oxytocin and metaraminol. We observed a fall in BP with an increase of HR and CO after spinal anesthesia and oxytocin infusion; and an increase in BP with a fall in HR and CO after bolus of the vasopressor. CONCLUSIONS: Although this monitor had not been calibrated, it showed a tendency for consistent hemodynamic data in obstetric patients and it may be used as a therapeutic guide or experimental tool.

JUSTIFICATIVA Y OBJETIVOS: Durante la cesárea bajo raquianestesia, se observaron alteraciones hemodinámicas. La medidas de presión arterial (PA), no invasiva y de frecuencia cardíaca (FC), para diagnosticar esas alteraciones se realizan, pero con atraso e imprecisión. Otros monitores como catéteres de presión de llenado y débito cardíaco (DC), con calibración externa son muy invasivos o imprecisos. El objetivo de este estudio, fue relatar las medidas de débito cardíaco obtenidas por un monitor mínimamente invasivo no calibrado (LiDCO rapid), en pacientes sometidas a la cesárea bajo raquianestesia. RELATO DEL CASO: Después de la aprobación por parte de la comisión de ética, cuatro pacientes estuvieron de acuerdo en participar en el estudio. Se sometieron entonces a la cesárea bajo raquianestesia cuando estaban conectadas al LiDCO rapid por una línea arterial radial. Los datos de DC, FC y BP se registraron al momento basal, después de la instalación de la raquianestesia, después de la extracción fetal y placentaria, y después de la infusión de ocitocina y metaraminol. Observamos una caída de la PA, con un aumento de la FC y DC posterior a la raquianestesia e infusión de ocitocina; y un aumento de la BP, con una caída de la FC y DC después de un bolo de vasopresor. CONCLUSIONES: Aunque no esté calibrado, ese monitor nos ofreció datos consistentes sobre la hemodinámica de las pacientes obstétricas y puede ser usado como guía terapéutico o como una herramienta de investigación.

Gestação em pacientes com síndrome de Klippel-Trenaunay: revisão da literatura / Pregnancy in Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome: review of literature

Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome is a rare congenital anomaly of unknown etiology, characterized by capillary and venous malformations, and hypertrophy of bone and soft tissue. Cases of pregnancy in women with Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome are rare and usually associated with adverse perinatal outcomes. Objective: To resume knowledge about pregnancy in the Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome as well as the syndrome so these patients be readily recognized and receive proper care to have a successful pregnancy outcome. Method: It was performed a review of the English literature, in the MEDLINE and Cochrane Library bases until October2009. Results: Only 17 case reports of pregnancy in women with Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome have been found. The evolutions of pregnant were variable and involve adverse events, with worsening of previous manifestations, bleeding, disseminated intravascular coagulation, thromboembolic events and pain. Conclusion: Pregnancy increases the risk of adverse events. Knowledge of the syndrome and multidisciplinary prenatal, intra and postpartum care areessential to successful outcome of pregnancy...

A síndrome de Klippel-Trenaunay é uma anomalia congênita de etiologiadesconhecida, caracterizada pela presença de malformações venosas e arteriais, hipertrofia de ossos e tecidos moles. São raros os relatos de gravidez em pacientes portadoras dessasíndrome, sendo associada com alto risco obstétrico. Objetivo: Resumir os conhecimentos acumulados sobre gestação em pacientes com síndrome de Klippel-Trenaunay, bem como sobre a própria síndrome, para permitir que essas pacientes sejam prontamente reconhecidas e recebam os cuidados necessários para um bom desfecho obstétrico. Método: Foi realizadapesquisa na literatura em língua inglesa, até outubro de 2009, na base de dados Medline e Cochrane Library. Resultados: Foram encontrados 17 casos relatados na literatura de gestaçõesem pacientes com síndrome de Klippel-Trenaunay. A evolução obstétrica das gestantes é variável e envolve eventos adversos, com piora das manifestações prévias, hemorragia, coagulação intravascular disseminada, eventos tromboembólicos e dor. Conclusão: A gestação agrava o risco de eventos adversos. O entendimento da síndrome e cuidado multidisciplinar pré-natal, intra e pós-parto são fundamentais para o bom desfecho da gestação...

Evolução e prognóstico materno-fetal da cirurgia cardíaca durante a gravidez / Evolución y pronóstico materno-fetal de la cirugía cardiaca durante el embarazo / Maternal-fetal outcome and prognosis of cardiac surgery during pregnancy

FUNDAMENTO: A cirurgia cardíaca favorece o prognóstico materno em casos refratários à terapêutica clínica, contudo associa-se a riscos ao concepto quando realizada durante a gravidez. OBJETIVO: Analisar a evolução e o prognóstico materno-fetal de gestantes submetidas à cirurgia cardíaca no ciclo gravídico-puerperal. MÉTODOS: Estudou-se a evolução de 41 gestações de mulheres que tiveram indicação de cirurgia cardíaca no ciclo gravídico puerperal. A cardiotocografia fetal foi mantida durante o procedimento nas pacientes com idade gestacional acima de 20 semanas. RESULTADOS: A média da idade materna foi de 27,8 ± 7,6 anos, houve predomínio da valvopatia reumática (87,8 por cento), e 15 dessas (41,6 por cento) foram submetidas à reoperação, devido à disfunção de prótese valvar. A média do tempo de circulação extracorpórea foi de 87,4 ± 43,6 min, e a hipotermia foi utilizada em 27 casos (67,5 por cento). Treze mães (31,7 por cento) não apresentaram intercorrências e tiveram seus recém-nascidos vivos e saudáveis. A evolução pós-operatória das demais 28 gestações (68,3 por cento) mostrou: 17 complicações maternas (41,5 por cento); três óbitos (7,3 por cento); 12 perdas fetais (29,2 por cento) e quatro casos de malformação neurológica (10 por cento), dois dos quais evoluíram para óbito tardio. Houve uma perda de seguimento após a cirurgia. Nove pacientes (21,9 por cento) foram operadas em caráter de emergência, situação que influenciou (p < 0.001) o prognóstico materno. CONCLUSÃO: A cirurgia cardíaca durante a gravidez permitiu sobrevida materna em 92,7 por cento e nascimento de crianças saudáveis em 56,0 por cento das pacientes que apresentaram complicações cardíacas refratárias à terapêutica clínica. O pior prognóstico materno teve correlação com a cirurgia em caráter de emergência.

BACKGROUND: Cardiac surgery improves the maternal prognosis in cases refractory to medical therapy. However, it is associated with risks to the fetus when performed during pregnancy. OBJECTIVE: To analyze maternal-fetal outcome and prognosis related to cardiac surgery performed during pregnancy and puerperium. METHODS: The outcome of 41 gestations of women undergoing cardiac surgery during pregnancy and puerperium was studied. Fetal cardiotocography was performed throughout the procedure in patients with gestational age above 20 weeks. RESULTS: Mean maternal age was 27.8 ± 7.6 years; there was a predominance of patients with rheumatic valve disease (87.8 percent), of whom 15 (41.6 percent) underwent reoperation due to prosthetic valve dysfunction. Mean extracorporeal circulation time was 87.4± 43.6min and hypothermia was used in 27 (67.5 percent) cases. Thirteen (31.7 percent) mothers experienced no events and gave birth to live healthy newborns. Postoperative outcome of the remaining 28 (68.3 percent) pregnancies showed: 17 (41.5 percent) maternal complications and three (7.3 percent) deaths; 12 (29.2 percent) fetal losses, and four (10 percent) cases of neurological malformation, two of which progressed to late death. One patient was lost to follow-up after surgery. Nine (21.9 percent) patients underwent emergency surgery, and this variable was correlated with maternal prognosis (p<0.001) CONCLUSION: Cardiac surgery during pregnancy allowed survival of 92.7 percent of the mothers, and 56.0 percent of the patients who presented cardiac complications refractory to medical therapy gave birth to healthy children. Worse maternal prognosis was correlated with emergency surgery.

FUNDAMENTO: La cirugía cardiaca favorece el pronóstico materno en casos refractarios a la terapéutica clínica, sin embargo está asociada a riesgos cuando realizada durante el embarazo. OBJETIVO: Analizar la evolución y el pronóstico materno-fetal de gestantes sometidas a la cirugía cardiaca en el ciclo grávido puerperal. MÉTODOS: Se estudió la evolución de 41 gestaciones de mujeres que tuvieron indicación de cirugía cardiaca en el ciclo grávido puerperal. La cardiotocografía fetal se mantuvo durante el procedimiento en las pacientes con edad gestacional superior a 20 semanas. RESULTADOS: El promedio de edad materna fue de 27,8 ± 7,6 años, con predominio de valvulopatía reumática (87,8 por ciento), y 15 de ellas (41,6 por ciento) se sometieron a reoperación, debido a disfunción de prótesis valvular. El promedio del tiempo de circulación extracorpórea fue de 87,4 ± 43,6 min, y se utilizó la hipotermia en 27 casos (67,5 por ciento). Trece madres (31,7 por ciento) no presentaron intercurrencias y tuvieron sus recién nacidos vivos y sanos. La evolución postoperatoria de las demás 28 gestaciones (68,3 por ciento) reveló: 17 complicaciones maternas (41,5 por ciento); tres óbitos (7,3 por ciento); 12 pérdidas fetales (29,2 por ciento) y 4 casos de malformación neurológica (10 por ciento), dos de los cuales evolucionaron para óbito tardío. Hubo una pérdida de seguimiento tras la cirugía. Se operaron a nueve pacientes (21,9 por ciento) en carácter de emergencia, situación que influenció (p < 0.001) el pronóstico materno. CONCLUSIÓN: LA CIrugía cardiaca durante el embarazo permitió sobrevida materna en un 92,7 por ciento y nacimiento de niños sanos en 56,0 por ciento de las pacientes que presentaron complicaciones cardíacas refractarias a la terapéutica clínica. El peor pronóstico materno tuvo correlación con la cirugía en carácter de emergencia.