Severe coronavirus disease pneumonia in a pregnant woman at 25 weeks' gestation: A case report.

There are numerous reports on the effects of the coronavirus disease on mothers and fetuses during pregnancy. It is currently unknown whether pregnancy is associated with a high risk of severe coronavirus disease. We report a pregnant patient with coronavirus disease who underwent a cesarean section. A pregnant 39-year-old Japanese woman was diagnosed with coronavirus disease at 25 weeks of gestation. Her breathing condition worsened daily, and she required oxygen administration. On day 6 of her 26th week of gestation, she developed severe pneumonia and required tracheal intubation and artificial ventilation, and an emergency cesarean section was performed under general anesthesia. It is necessary to investigate the risk of increased coronavirus disease severity during pregnancy, the effects of coronavirus disease on perinatal prognosis, and the management of pregnancy with coronavirus disease.

Ludwig's Angina in Pregnancy: A Case Report.

BACKGROUND: Physiologic changes in pregnancy may predispose pregnant women to oral health problems. However, most women are not counselled on oral health during pregnancy. Lack of proper oral health care predisposes pregnant women to odontogenic infections, which can lead to severe complications. CASE: A 34-year-old multiparous woman presented at 400 weeks gestation with a 3-day history of severe, progressive neck swelling, jaw pain, and trismus. She was diagnosed with Ludwig's angina secondary to an untreated dental cavity. She required emergency fiberoptic intubation to secure her airway, urgent delivery via cesarean section, and subsequent surgical drainage performed by otolaryngology. CONCLUSION: Ludwig's angina during pregnancy is associated with severe morbidity. Dental care should not be denied or postponed due to pregnancy, and dental infections should be treated promptly. Health care providers should counsel women on the importance of maintaining good oral health during pregnancy.

Sarcoidosis of the fallopian tube: A rare case study with confirmed Propionibacterium acnes infection.

Sarcoidosis is a systemic granulomatous disease that is most commonly manifested in the pulmonary system. Though the entire etiology of sarcoidosis remains unknown, it has been reported that Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) has been isolated from sarcoid lesions. Herein, we report a case of salpingitis arising from sarcoidosis. A female patient aged 37 years, gravida 2 para 0, who had been diagnosed with sarcoidosis at the age of 36 years, underwent laparoscopic right salpingectomy due to obvious right hydrosalpinx with recurrent refractory right lower abdominal pain. The pathological diagnosis was granulomatous salpingitis of the right fallopian tube suspecting sarcoidosis. Immunocytochemistry using a specific monoclonal antibody against P. acnes lipoteichoic acid (PAB antibody) revealed PAB-positive reaction in sarcoid granuloma. This is the first case of sarcoidosis that the presence of P. acnes was shown in sarcoid lesions in the fallopian tube.

[Echinococcosis and pregnancy: approaches to the treatment]. / Ékhinokokkoz i beremennost': podkhody k taktike lecheniia.

AIM: To develop treatment strategy in pregnant women with liver echinococcosis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: There were 21 women with confirmed diagnosis of liver echinococcosis who were divided into 2 groups. Group I consisted of 17 patients with cysts Charbi grade I-III. They underwent percutaneous puncture and antiparasitic management of the cyst under intravenous sedation. Group II included 4 patients with cysts grade IV-V and those with multiple cysts. They underwent conventional surgery. RESULTS: In one patient, fetal death occurred in 20 hours after surgery and it was not associated with the procedure. There were no complications in other patients. Uneventful childbirth was noted in all of them. CONCLUSION: Percutaneous puncture in the second trimester of pregnancy is effective and safe procedure for prevention of complications of echinococcosis in late pregnancy and childbirth. Conventional surgery is alternative if percutaneous intervention is not advisable.

Impact of the Zika Virus for Anesthesiologists: A Review of Current Literature and Practices.

Zika virus disease is of growing concern to all clinicians. There is a growing concern with regards to the neurologic sequela of the virus, particularly for infants born to women infected while pregnant. The continued spread of this virus throughout North and South America requires all anesthesiologists to maintain vigilance on this issue. This article addresses some of the key issues that pertain to anesthesiologists with regards to the Zika virus including the risks of perioperative management of patients with Zika virus. A discussion of the risks of transfusion and current blood management practices also is included in this review.

Survival of the fetus during maternal thoracotomy under cardiopulmonary bypass for infective endocarditis.

Infective endocarditis (IE) during pregnancy is a rare but serious condition. Cardiopulmonary bypass during pregnancy has a high rate of fetal morbidity and mortality. We here report the case of a 22-year-old pregnant woman with confirmed IE. Multiple large cardiac valve vegetations, severe aortic valve regurgitation, and hemodynamic compromise were observed. With full implementation of fetal monitoring and protection strategies, open heart surgery was performed at 31.4 weeks' gestation to aid survival, followed by an elective cesarean delivery at 34.4 weeks. As of the 3-month follow-up, both the mother and infant were in good health. This shows that a fetus can survive maternal thoracotomy under cardiopulmonary bypass with proper perioperative management, which means that this technique does not need to be excluded from consideration in the treatment of IE complicating pregnancy.

Antepartum surgical management of Pott's paraplegia along with maintenance of pregnancy during second trimester.

INTRODUCTION: The existing literature is limited and inconclusive regarding management of spinal tuberculosis with neurological deficit during advanced pregnancy. None of the previously published case series concerning this problem during the second trimester of pregnancy have explored the option of simultaneous surgical intervention for it along with maintenance of pregnancy. CASE REPORT: A 22-year-old woman with 26 weeks of pregnancy (2nd trimester) presented with upper back pain for the past 2 months, inability to move both lower limbs for the last 1 week, bladder and bowel dysfunction for the past 5 days (Frankel Grade B). Patient subsequently underwent MRI scan dorsal spine and the image findings were suggestive of spinal tuberculosis T2 level. After obstetric evaluation and opinion of the expectant mother, in view of extensive neurological deficit which progressed rapidly, decision was taken for surgical intervention along with maintenance of pregnancy. Patient was positioned in right lateral position after giving general anesthesia using double lumen endotracheal tube with lung isolation technique. Exposure was done using transthoracic third rib excision approach. Decompression was achieved by radical debridement at T2 vertebrae level followed by multiple rib strut grafts and stabilization with screw and rod construct between T1 and T3 vertebrae. Intra-operative measures including type of anesthesia, prevention of maternal hypotension, hypoxemia and hypothermia, and fetal monitoring by attending obstetrician were undertaken to maintain feto-maternal safety. Postoperative ultrasonography evaluation of the fetus revealed a normal study. Post-surgery histopathological evaluation of the surgical specimen confirmed tuberculosis infection and the patient continued anti-tubercular drug therapy for 9 months. She delivered a healthy girl child at 36 weeks of gestation by cesarean section. After about 14 months of postoperative follow-up, patient has completely recovered motor power with mild persistent sensory symptoms. She is self-voiding with mild constipation requiring occasional intermittent laxative use. Radiological improvements in comparison to the previous reports were also seen at the last follow-up. CONCLUSION: Although this is only a single case but being the first to our knowledge, the good results highlight the point that both surgical management and maintenance of pregnancy during second trimester complicated by Pott's paraplegia are possible, involving a multi-disciplinary team approach for optimal maternal and fetal outcome.

[The results of open and laparoscopic appendectomy in pregnant women with acute appendicitis]. / Rezul'taty traditsionnoi i laparoskopicheskoi appendektomii pri ostrom appenditsite u beremennykh.

AIM: To compare conventional and laparoscopic appendectomy in pregnant women. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 86 patients with acute appendicitis who were surgically treated. In group 1 (42 women) laparoscopic approach was used, in group 2 (44 patients) - laparotomy. RESULTS: Postoperative complications were observed in 2 (4.8%) and 3 (6.8%) patients in groups 1 and 2 respectively. All complications related to Clavien-Dindo class I-II. There were no premature births and abortions in laparoscopy group. In case of conventional surgery premature births and abortions were observed in 2 (4.5%) and 1 (2.27%) observations respectively. Other women had timely childbirth in terms of 36-41 weeks. CONCLUSION: Risk of delay exceeds risk of vain appendectomy. All pregnant women with acute appendicitis should be examined by obstetrician-gynaecologist, surgeon, urologist, anesthesiologist. If acute appendicitis can not be excluded based on clinical data the patient should be operated. Diagnostic laparoscopy and laparoscopic appendectomy are advisable in case of pregnancy up to 24 weeks. Woman should be under observation of obstetrician-gynaecologist in perioperative period to prevent premature birth and abortion.

Video assisted thoracic surgery in a second trimester pregnant woman with thoracic empyema: a case report.

BACKGROUND: An empyema is an infection of the pleural space that occurs most frequently secondary to the progression of pneumonia. The stages of empyema are based on pleural characteristics and reflect the risks of the condition for morbidity and mortality. Pregnancy is a risk factor for major complications of pneumonia, including empyema. CASE: A pregnant woman at 25 weeks' gestation with a community-acquired Streptococcus pneumoniae pneumonia underwent video-assisted thoracotomy decortication and debridement of a large loculated, gelatinous empyema after conservative medical therapy failed. CONCLUSION: Conservative medical therapy with antibiotics alone may not be adequate for advanced bacterial empyema in pregnancy.

[Acute abdominal surgery in pregnancy - as viewed by the surgeon]. / Operace v tehotenství pro náhlé príhody brisní z pohledu chirurga.

INTRODUCTION: Acute abdomen during pregnancy presents very specific problem on the boundary of surgery and gynaecology. Although gynaecologists provide healthcare to pregnant women, surgery indication because of acute abdomen during pregnancy should be done by surgeon (who has usually little knowledge and experience regarding pregnant women examination and management). There is therefore real opportunity for possible mistakes origin with serious consequences for mother and foetus. METHODS: Literature search in PubMed was done aimed at studies within the last 10 years dealing with appendectomy, cholecystectomy and laparoscopy during pregnancy in the context of acute abdomen. Surgical interventions done from obstetrics indications were excluded. RESULTS: Pregnancy is associated with many anatomical and physiological changes which have to be considered not only during clinical examination, but also when analysing laboratory findings and considering operative tactics. Imaging modalities employment during pregnancy is very limited due to harmful effect of ionising radiation and not clear impact of strong magnetic field on the foetus. Timing of surgical interventions because of acute abdomen during pregnancy should be the same as timing of acute abdomen interventions in non-pregnant patients. Minimally invasive surgery in acute abdomen during pregnancy presents standard technique nowadays. Many advantages of laparoscopic approach (lower rate of surgical site infections, quicker convalescence etc.) are valid also during pregnancy. CONCLUSION: Acute abdomen during pregnancy should be managed within a multidisciplinary cooperation between gynaecologist, surgeon, anaesthesiologist and neonatologist. With respect to results of published studies, laparoscopic approach in the management of acute abdomen during pregnancy should be considered safe and effective.

Anorectal abscess during pregnancy.

Anorectal symptoms and complaints caused by hemorrhoids or anal fissures are common during pregnancy. It is known that one-third of pregnant women complain of anal pain in the third trimester. Anal pain may be caused by a wide spectrum of conditions, but if it begins gradually and becomes excruciating within a few days it may indicate anorectal abscess. We experienced a case of anorectal abscess during pregnancy which was diagnosed by magnetic resonance imaging and treated by incision and seton drainage at 36 weeks of gestation, followed by a normal spontaneous delivery at 38 weeks of gestation. To our knowledge, this is the first case report of anorectal abscess during pregnancy in the English-language published work. The clinical course of our case and clinical considerations of anorectal abscesses are discussed.

Term delivery following tuboovarian abscess after in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer.

A tuboovarian abscess (TOA) during pregnancy following oocyte retrieval is extremely rare. We report a rare case of pregnancy complicated by the development of a TOA following in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer that was treated successfully with laparoscopy. We also review all similar cases reported in the English-language literature.

Production of active oxygen species by blood phagocytes of pregnant women and their newborns with intrauterine infection.

We studied the relationship between changes in the maternal and newborn granulocyte functions under conditions of infection risk and realization. Women with normal gestation and their healthy newborns, pregnant women with a high risk of infection and their newborns, healthy or with intrauterine infection, were examined. Changes in the active oxygen species-dependent phagocytosis system were found in the blood of risk group patients. An inverse relationship between the parameters venous and umbilical cord blood was detected indicating a relationship between changes in functional activities of maternal and newborn granulocytes. The percentage of CD11b(+)cells in venous and umbilical cord blood strictly correlated with the percent of cells that phagocytosed FITC-labeled E. coli. Deviations in the generation of active oxygen species in phagocytosis seemed to be related to the expression of surface receptors in the risk groups.

Fulminant hepatitis A infection in second trimester of pregnancy requiring living-donor liver transplantation.

We present an 18-year-old pregnant woman who was referred to our emergency clinic as a case of acute hepatic failure and hepatic encephalopathy. Laboratory tests showed abnormal liver function tests and serological workup was consistent with acute hepatitis A infection. Ultrasonography revealed a single live fetus with fetal biometry compatible with 18 gestational weeks. The patient underwent a highly urgent liver transplantation using a right lobe graft from her husband. Histological examination of the explanted liver showed acute, lymphocyte-rich, diffuse necrotizing hepatitis, consistent with acute necrotizing hepatitis A. After the operation her allograft function gradually recovered. Her follow-up obstetrics ultrasound revealed a male fetus with severely decreased amniotic fluid. The patient was informed about the poor prognosis of her pregnancy and the pregnancy was terminated by vaginal misoprostol induction. She has maintained a good general condition and liver function for 4 months postoperatively, up to the present time.

Management of genital warts in pregnancy.

Genital warts are the most prevalent form of viral genital mucosal lesions. In pregnancy they may proliferate and become easily irritated due to the increased vascularity and altered immunity. This case highlights the importance of a multidisciplinary approach and exact planning to ensure good outcome in the management of genital warts in pregnancy.

[Skeletal tuberculosis of the distal radius during pregnancy]. / Ossäre Tuberkulose am distalen Radius in der Schwangerschaft.

We present a case of a pregnant woman (32nd gestational week) that suffered from a chronic non-healing wound at the distal radius. Skeletal tuberculosis was finally diagnosed and treated successfully with staged surgical therapy combined with appropriate medication. One year after surgical treatment, the outcome of the mother was excellent and the baby did not suffer from any disease related to operative procedures or pharmacotherapy. Operative treatment of skeletal tuberculosis (especially osteoarticular and vertebral tuberculosis) in combination with tuberculostatic therapy during pregnancy and lactation seem to be the appropriate treatment with minimal risk for the child and excellent outcome for the mother.

[Differential approach to the diagnosis of acute appendicitis and acute gynecological pathology in pregnant women].

This article discusses the differential diagnosis of acute appendicitis and acute gynecological pathology in different terms of the gestation.

[Haemostasis disorders and ways of its correction in HIV-positive pregnant women receiving chemopreventive antiretroviral therapy].

The analysis of 162 surgical deliveries cases in HIV-positive patients with antiretroviral therapy--induced haemostasis disturbances and thrombocytopenia was carried out. The article gives the perioperative management during surgical delivery.

Chronic HBV with pregnancy: reactivation flare causing fulminant hepatic failure.

Chronic HBV infection is a dynamic state of interaction between HBV, hepatocytes, and the immune system of the host. A series of reactivation flares and remissions may occur due to multiple causes. Among them, spontaneous reactivation and immunosuppressive drugs including steroids or cancer chemotherapy are well known. This is due to immune-mediated destruction of HBV-expressing cells following withdrawal of immunosuppressive effect. Few cases have been reported in females during postpartum period. We report a case of fulminant hepatic failure during pregnancy in a previously unrecognized hepatitis B positive female requiring emergent liver transplantation.