Zeitschrift für Geburtshilfe und Neonatologie
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Z Geburtshilfe Neonatol · Apr 2005
Case ReportsPrenatal constriction of the fetal ductus arteriosus--related to maternal pain medication?
Physiological fetal circulation requires patency of the ductus arteriosus. As gestation proceeds, the sensitivity of the ductus to dilating prostaglandins diminishes. The sensitivity to constricting agents like PGE-synthetase inhibitors, present in many analgetics, however, increases. ⋯ In contrast to ibuprofen and high-dose aspirin, metamizole and low-dose aspirin have not yet been reported as possible agents constricting the fetal arterial duct. In any suspected context, early delivery as in our cases may save babies life. Any application of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in pregnancy requires close fetal follow-up due to their potentially life-threatening effect.
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Z Geburtshilfe Neonatol · Feb 2005
[Combination therapy for fetal supraventricular tachycardia with flecainide and digoxin].
Persistent fetal supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) with more than 210 bpm frequently leads to congestive heart failure. We report on a case with SVT and congestive heart failure that converted into sinus rhythm within 19 days of therapy with flecainide and beta-acetyldigoxin. A 32-year-old II gravida I para (25 + 1 weeks of gestation) presented with fetal SVT of 267 bpm. ⋯ A healthy boy was born at 38 + 6 weeks of gestation. Although cardioversion is expected after 72 h of therapy according to the literature, this fetus converted into sinus rhythm on day 19 of therapy. This indicates that patients should not be considered resistant to treatment within the first 3 - 4 days.
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Z Geburtshilfe Neonatol · Oct 2004
Clinical Trial[Conservative treatment of puerperal breast abscesses with repeated sonographically guided aspirations and oral antibiotic administrations].
Breast abscesses have usually been treated by incision and drainage. During the past 10 years conservative treatment with repeated ultrasound-guided drainage to evacuate the abscess combined with antibiotic treatment has become a valuable alternative. ⋯ Conservative therapy with ultrasound-guided drainage of puerperal breast abscesses can therefore be recommended as a standard treatment.
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Neonates and infants have the highest mortality rate in the pediatric patient population, but there is a paucity of data about their palliative care. Most neonate deaths occur during the first week of life so it is mostly the staff of NICUS's and obstetrical wards who are confronted with the palliative care of dying neonates. ⋯ A search of the literature on this subject resulted in only a few publications; hence, this article basically describes clinical experience in the palliative care of neonates. In this article some recommendations for decision-making and standardization of palliative care for dying neonates are presented.
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Z Geburtshilfe Neonatol · Apr 2004
Review Guideline[Neonatal-emergencies: basics in cardiopulmonary resuscitation].
The international guidelines for neonatal resuscitation were recently updated by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the American Heart Association (AHA) and the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation (ILCOR). The most important steps in resuscitation of the newly born infant are oxygenation and ventilation, including endotracheal intubation. These fundamental techniques will be emphasized and discussed in a problem-oriented approach. ⋯ Chest compressions should be administered if the heart rate remains < 60 bpm (or heart rate 60 to 80 bpm and not rising) despite adequate assisted ventilation. There should be a 3 : 1 ratio of compressions to ventilations to achieve approximately 120 events per minute. Moreover, the international guidelines recommend crystalloid volume expanders (normal saline or Ringer's lactate), red blood cells, sodium bicarbonate and naloxone for cardiopulmonary resuscitation of the newly born infant.