Decision-delivery intervals: Impact of a colour code protocol for emergency caesareans.

OBJECTIVE: Assess the impact of implementation by simple distribution of a "colour code" protocol for emergency caesareans on the course over time of the "decision-delivery interval" (DDI) and neonatal outcome. DESIGN: Observational study in 26 maternity units of the AURORE perinatal network, conducted between October 1, 2017, and April 30, 2018. Each maternity ward́ was supposed to prospectively include 20 consecutive cases of caesareans performed either as an emergency, that is, as a code orange, or an extreme emergency, that is, code red. We compared the DDIs observed in 2017 to those in 2007 according to the degree of emergency, the maternity unit level of care, and their adherence to the protocol. Neonatal outcome in 2007 and 2017, assessed from laboratory and clinical indicators, was also compared, overall and according to the degree of emergency. RESULTS: The DDI was significantly lower in 2017 (n = 478) than in 2007 (n = 447), regardless of the degree of emergency and the level of care (p < 0.0001). In 2017, all code red caesareans were performed in less than 15 min in level 3 maternity units compared with 73 % (p = 0.039) in 2007. Fewer than 20 % of the caesareans in the 2007 study period were performed in less than 15 min in level 1 and 2 maternity units. Today, this is the case for 83 % of these caesareans in level 2 units (p < 0.001) and 36 % in level 1 (p = 0.01). In 2017, code orange caesareans were performed in less than 30 min in 96 % of cases in level 3 units, 67 % in level 2, and 33 % in level 1, compared respectively with 67 % (p = 0.015), 25 % (p < 0.0001) and 16 % (p = 0.0003) in 2007. We did not observe any difference in the neonatal outcome between 2007 and 2017 or as a function of the DDI expected based on the caesarean colour code. CONCLUSION: The implementation of the colour code protocols was associated with an improved DDI and better adherence to the recommendations in all 26 maternity units in this perinatal network.

Recurrent Seizures in 2 Patients with Magnesium Sulfate-Treated Eclampsia at a Secondary Hospital.

BACKGROUND Recurrent seizure in patients with magnesium sulfate-treated eclampsia is very rare and requires meticulous management due to poor prognosis. The development of eclamptic convulsions is considered a preventable obstetric situation. Magnesium sulfate has been the drug of choice in such cases. However, some cases are persistent and need more aggressive treatment. CASE REPORT First case: A 20-year-old, nulliparous woman was referred from a private midwifery practice with history of convulsion, 40 weeks of gestational age (GA), and in the active phase of labor. She had been treated with magnesium sulfate and nifedipine beforehand. Her fetus was tachycardic, so an emergency caesarean section was done and placental abruption was found. The day after the surgery, the patient had recurrent seizures despite receiving a maintenance dose of magnesium sulfate. The patient then received thiopental sodium and remained stable. Second case: A 19-year-old, nulliparous woman came to the hospital with 40 weeks of GA, prolonged premature rupture of the membrane (PROM), preeclampsia, and cephalopelvic disproportion (CPD). An emergency caesarean section was performed. Eighteen hours after surgery, the patient had convulsions despite receiving magnesium sulfate maintenance therapy. We repeated the loading dose of 2 g magnesium sulfate, but the seizures persisted. Hence, midazolam was given and the seizures remained controlled. Both babies were delivered without any significant complications. CONCLUSIONS We report 2 cases of GIP0-0 women with 40 weeks GA who had magnesium sulfate-resistant eclampsia and needed additional anticonvulsant drugs. These cases show the importance of comprehensive management and the need for alternative drugs in eclampsia.

A prospective review of eclampsia at a regional hospital, eastern Ethiopia: incidence, clinical correlates, management and pregnancy outcome

Objective: The aims of the study were to determine the incidence of eclampsia and describe its clinical correlates and pregnancy outcomes.Patients and Methods: A one-year prospective study of 93 cases of eclampsia using a structured questionnaire which included socio-demographic data, clinical presentation, work-up, management and feto-maternal outcomes was done at Karamara Regional Hospital, Eastern Ethiopia.Results: The incidence of eclampsia was 2.7% (93 in 3500 deliveries). Most of the cases were young (45%), nulliparous (70%) women who had not received any antenatal care (63%). Almost two thirds of the women (n=57, 61%) presented with eclampsia in antepartum, whereas 26 cases (28%) occurred in intrapartum, and there were 10 cases (11%) with eclampsia postpartum. Preceding symptoms were reported in 78.5 % of patients with severe hypertension recorded in 66%. The average gestational age at presentation was 32 weeks. Hydralazine was used for emergency control of hypertension in 91% of the cases. Magnesium was administered to 92 (99%) of the patients. Delay greater than 12h from admission to delivery occurred in 45% of the women with eclampsia. Cesarean section (CS) was performed in 14 (17%) and instrumental delivery in 15 (18%). The maternal and perinatal case fatality rates of eclampsia were 34.7% and 11% respectively.Conclusion: The incidence of eclampsia was very high with corresponding high maternal and perinatal deaths. The presentation of patients was late and the work up and management of cases substandard. Hence capacity building of health facilities, implementation of standard guidelines and criteria based auditing are recommended

[Interdisciplinary Simulation of Emergency Caesarean Section to Improve Subjective Competence]. / Subjektiver Kompetenzgewinn zur Durchführung eines Notfallkaiserschnitts mittels interdisziplinärem Simulationstraining.

The emergency caesaran section is a gynecological emergency situation which is potentially life-threatening for mother and child. In the management of these time-critical situations human factors as well as the competence of the crisis resource management team have been shown to be important factors for success. The concept "simulation" has not been validated as a training tool for professional competence of multidisciplinary teams in the delivery suite. The aim of this study was, to assess the competence gain by subjective evaluation of the team members after taking part in an emergency caesarian section training which is integrable into the daily clinic setting. Method 36 members of a multidisciplinary team of a delivery suite took part in a 4-hourly "high-fidelity" simulation training "emergency caesarian section". Scenarios were created around the case setting of eclampsia with bradycardia of the child, uterus rupture, placenta abruption and cord prolapse. Each participant was involved in 2 scenarios as either a spectator or a team member. Using a questionnaire, the course performance and debriefing were evaluated and the subjective professional competence in Crisis Resource Management were recorded. Results In the collective of the trainee (over/equal 5 years), 25% had no experience in any cases of emergency caesarean in practice. On a scale of 1 to 6 (1=very good, 6=fail) the course was given an overall mark of 1.4 and a mark of 1.8 for its relevance to daily work. 6 months after the training, participants rated their competencies in prioritising necessary actions, following treatment plans, communicating among the team members as well as integrating new information as significantly improved. Conclusion The 4-hour simulation training can be easily integrated into everyday clinical practice. The participants marked the course scenarios as realistic and relevant for their clinical practice. The number of years of prior work experience is not significanty related with the experience in rare emergency situations. The interdisciplinary team training is a way to improve individual performance as well as to establish and practise interdisciplinary emergency concepts.

Atypical eclampsia and postpartum status epilepticus.

Preeclampsia is an entity that may present from 20th week of gestation up to 48 hours postpartum and is associated with hypertension and proteinuria. Eclampsia is emergence of convulsions pre-eclampsia in pregnant women with signs and symptoms. Recent studies showed that in some women, preeclampsia and even eclampsia may occur without hypertension or proteinuria. Here, we present a case of 26 years old women who had an uneventful pregnancy until 30 weeks' of gestation. She had only proteinuria in laboratory tests and was diagnosed as status epilepticus in early postpartum period. Preeclampsia and eclampsia is related with serious fetal and maternal morbidity and mortality and may present with atypical course. The awareness of atypical cases of preeclampsia enhances early diagnosis and management which are critical to avoid feto-maternal complications.

Evolving pattern of spinal anaesthesia in stable eclamptic patients undergoing caesarean section at University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin, Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: Eclampsia is still associated with high maternal and perinatal and perinatal morbidity and mortality, especially in resource poor countries with limited access to perinatal and critical care facilities. The ideal method of anaesthesia for caesarean section in eclamptics is not generally agreed upon. METHODS: Review of the patients' case notes as well as records of the institution's Labour Ward Theatre, Intensive Care Unit and Postnatal Ward was carried out between January 2011 and December 2012. Patients' clinical and demographic data, anaesthetic management methods, maternal and perinatal outcome measures were evaluated and analysed. RESULTS: Ninety-nine cases of eclampsia were reviewed, of which 87 had Caesarean section. After excluding five patients who had intercurrent medical ailments, 82 patients were finally analyzed. Of these, 65 (79.3%) had spinal anaesthesia while 17 (20.7%) had general anaesthesia. Out of the 19 (23.2%) who were transferred to the intensive care unit, 12 (70.6%) had general anaesthesia while 7 (10.8%) had spinal anaesthesia. Of the 17 patients who had general anaesthesia, 10 (58.8%) were ventilated post operatively versus only 2 (3.1%) in spinal anaesthesia. Nine of the 17 general anaesthesia patients (52.9%) versus only 1 of 65 spinal anaesthesia (1.5%) died in ICU. Apgar was two fold better in the spinal anaesthesia group at 5 minutes.There was a higher risk ratio for stillbirths in the general anaesthesia patients. CONCLUSION: maternal and perinatal survival and well being are better in eclamptics who had spinal anaesthesia for caesarean section compared to those who had general anaesthesia.

Does immediate postpartum curettage of the endometrium accelerate recovery from preeclampsia-eclampsia? A randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of immediate postpartum curettage on rapid resolution of clinical and laboratory indices in pre-eclampsia and eclampsia women. METHODS: A randomized controlled study, comprised of 420 pre-eclamptic or eclamptic women with singleton pregnancy 24 weeks gestation and more. Patients were divided into two groups: 220 patients underwent immediate postpartum curettage and 200 patients as a control group. RESULTS: The clinical and laboratory prenatal parameters showed no statistical significant differences between both groups. The follow-up for the postnatal clinical and laboratory data showed significant improvement for the mean arterial blood pressure in the curettage group over 6, 12, and 24 h after delivery and significant improvement in the platelet count as well. The average time required for MAP to reach 105 mmHg or less was significantly shorter (P < 0.05) in the curettage group (40 ± 3.15 h) than the control group (86 ± 5.34 h). Two patients in the curettage group developed convulsions versus 11 patients in the control group within the first 24 h after delivery. No maternal mortalities were reported in both groups. CONCLUSION: Immediate postpartum curettage is a safe and effective procedure and can accelerate recovery from pre-eclampsia or eclampsia.

[A case of HELLP syndrome resulting in eclampsia with non-aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage].

It is known that hemorrhagic stroke at the perinatal period are caused by specifics conditions like eclampsia as well as by the existing abnormal vessels. We treated a case of HELLP syndrome resulting in eclampsia with non-aneurysmal, convexity subarachnoid hemorrhage. A 34-year-old female, who had been pointed out to have a high level of urinal protein at the 37th week, was seen in the emergency department because of severe headache, vomiting and respiratory discomfort. Her systolic blood pressure was over 190mmHg, and caesarean section was selected. On the way to the operating room, she had a generalized convulsion with loss of consciousness. The delivery was carried out. The CT immediately after the caesarean section revealed faint and localized subarachnoid hemorrhage in the bilateral convexity areas. Additionally, the FLAIR image of MRI demonstrated increased intensity in the bilateral cerebellar hemispheres, basal ganglion and subcortical area, suggesting vasogenic edema. The patient had a good clinical course and the abnormal signal of MRI also recovered by treatment with oral iron and zinc. Here, we report a speculation for the mechanism of this case and precautions against stroke in the perinatal period.

Eclampsia complicated by abdominal compartment syndrome.

A primigravida with eclampsia and hemolytic anemia, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelet count (HELLP syndrome) developed intra-abdominal compartment syndrome requiring a decompressive laparotomy, underlining the importance of including abdominal compartment syndrome in the differential diagnosis in pregnant women.

Late postpartum eclampsia: report of two cases managed by uterine curettage and review of the literature.

The purpose of this study was describe two patients with rapid recovery of refractory late postpartum eclampsia (LPPE) following uterine curettage, and to evaluate the literature about supportive evidence for such a management in LPPE. A detailed literature search was performed focusing on studies reporting the clinical presentation, laboratory workup, imaging, and management of LPPE. Mean reported onset of LPPE was on postpartum day 7.0 +/- 2.9. Only 35.3% had a history of preeclampsia: these had earlier onset of seizures compared with the subjects without history of preeclampsia (4.3 +/- 1.4 versus 7.6 +/- 2.9 days; p < 0.005). Onset of seizure was correlated with systolic blood pressure (Pearson's r = 0.34; p < 0.05). Major associated symptoms were headaches (71.4%), visual changes (46.0%), and nausea/vomiting (22.2%); 67.5% of patients were proteinuric. The remaining laboratory tests were usually normal. Among the patients with a normal head computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging identified additional abnormalities in 53.8% (seven of 13). A total of 69.7% of patients developed multiple seizure episodes, some of these occurred while the patient was receiving magnesium sulfate treatment; 82.5% of patients underwent magnesium therapy and approximately half of those patients required multiple antiseizure drugs. The number of seizures was only correlated with the diastolic blood pressure (Pearson's r = 0.52; p < 0.01). Even remote from delivery, headaches, visual change, and nausea/vomiting are important symptoms of LPPE. Hypertension and/or proteinuria are important diagnostic findings. LPPE is often characterized by refractory seizures and controlling the diastolic blood pressure is important. Patients presented in our case report showed no seizures after uterine curettage. This potential useful management for LPPE requires additional investigation.

Spontaneous bilateral perirenal hematomas in two patients with eclampsia.

The purpose of this report is to provide two illustrative cases of spontaneous and bilateral perirenal hematomas that occurred during a pregnancy complicated by eclampsia. The sonographic and computed tomographic findings included bilateral perirenal hematoma with no evidence of an underlying malignancy. Since renal hematomas that occur in association with preeclampsia and eclampsia syndrome are extremely rare, but potentially life-threatening complications, prompt laboratory and radiologic evaluations are essential and can reduce the associated morbidity and mortality.

Caesarean section and birth weight at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital--preliminary report.

OBJECTIVE: This preliminary retrospective survey was done to find out whether the indications for Caesarean Section had any bearing on the birth weight. METHOD: The foetal outcome for 673 parturients who delivered at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital between September 1, 1998 and December 31, 1998 was analysed. RESULT: Caesarean section done for cephalopelvic disproportion and for 2 or more previous sections yielded the highest mean birth weight (3.43 kg +/- 0.02 kg) and the best foetal outcome. Hypertensive disorders yielded the lowest mean birth weight (1.8 kg +/- 0.3 kg) and poorest foetal outcome. The mean parity and age of the parturients were similarly distributed. CONCLUSION: The birth weights appeared to vary with the indications for Caesarean section. Confounding factors such as the gestational age, parity and age of the parturients need to be controlled in a prospective study in future. Good antenatal supervision could improve on the birth weights.

Anestesia para pacientes de alto riesgo obstétrico Instituto Materno Infantil IMI

La mortalidad materna en el mundo es de 250/100.000 nacidos vivos (25). Ocupando los trastornos hipertensivos del embarazo un lugar preferencial como factor causante. Se puede inferir que esto es un reflejo de la falta de control prenatal y cuidados adecuados de las mujeres embarazadas en los países en vía de desarrollo. En este artículo se revisa la etiología, fisiopatología, clasificación y manejo anestésico aplicado en estas pacientes, en el Insitituto Materno Infantil (IMI) de la ciudad de Santa Fé de Bogotá, Colombia

[Diabetic nephropathy and pregnancy]. / Nefropatia diabetica e gravidanza.

Diabetes mellitus (or type 1) is a long-lasting disease (even twenty years or more) which causes kidney disease and, in the event of pregnancy, it can make differential diagnostic difficult even fort the most expert clinician. Metabolic changes caused by this type of diabetes (e.g., hypoglycemia, hyperglycemia, ketoacidosis) and their difficult compensation can often lead to the onset of eclampsia or convulsion. The diagnostic suspicion of diabetes is supported by the finding of proteinuria, edema and hypertension that are strictly correlated with the evolution of diabetic disease and sometimes exist prior to pregnancy. This cas report focuses on the diagnostic importance of clotting tests, especially in clarifying diagnostic doubts.

Massive hepatic necrosis in toxemia of pregnancy.

Hepatic rupture and infarction associated with toxemia of pregnancy usually occur in multiparous women close to 30 years of age. The most important presenting symptom is right upper-quadrant abdominal pain. Sonography is the most expedient way of making the diagnosis of either rupture or hemorrhagic necrosis, but computed tomography is more sensitive. Elevated transaminase levels and thrombocytopenia or disseminated intravascular coagulation may occur acutely but resolve quickly. Termination of pregnancy is the cornerstone of any treatment plan. Many cases may not require operative treatment other than inspection. In others, surgical hemostasis will be lifesaving. We describe four preeclamptic women, two with ruptured subcapsular hematomas and two with hemorrhagic infarction. Radiological and laboratory evidence of liver damage and recovery are presented.

Anestesia en preeclampsia severa-eclampsia / Anestethic management in pregnancy induced hypertencion

Se describe el tratamiento anestésico, sus complicaciones y la influencia sobre el bienestar materno y neonatal de pacientes con preeclampsia severa o eclampsia, en un estudio retrospectivo de 283 registros anestésicos de 6 meses de atención obstétrica. Se clasificaron de acuerdo a gravedad y respuesta al tratamiento médico en: toxemia severa no compensada (TSNC); toxemia severa compensada (TSC); inminenciaa de eclampsia (IE) y eclampsia (E) . En la selección de anestesia predominó la técnica regional en los grupos TSNC, TSC e IE con 83 por ciento, 88 por ciento y 52 por ciento respectivamente. En E más del 92 por ciento recibió anestecia general. Las complicaciones observadas fueron: descensos tensionales, anestesia regional insuficiente, intubación arotraqueal traumática, broncoespasmo y crisis convulsivas preanestésicas usadas. El bienestar materno ( Aldrete de 8 o más), la TSNC logró promediar 77 por ciento, la TSC 80 por ciento y la E 50 por ciento siendo mejor bajo anestesia general. La IE con 80 por ciento pero mejor bajo anestesia regional.

[Eclampsia complicated with cerebrovascular disease].

Ten eclamptic patients complicated by acute cerebrovascular disease were admitted during the past eight years from Feb. 1982 to Feb. 1990. There were six cases of superior sagittal sinus thrombosis, two cases of cerebral hemorrhage, one cases of subarachnoid hemorrhage and the other one of cerebral infarction. Among them, eight patients were cured. Our analysis demonstrates that it is advisable to terminate pregnancy by cesarean section as soon as possible. A comprehensive management proposed by good cooperation between neurologist, neurosurgeon and obstetrician is the key to get a good way to cure these patients.