Best practice & research. Clinical obstetrics & gynaecology
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Best Pract Res Clin Obstet Gynaecol · Dec 2008
Recombinant factor VIIa and other pro-haemostatic therapies in primary postpartum haemorrhage.
Blood products are an essential component of the management of postpartum haemorrhage, although there is lack of evidence to guide optimal use. Prospective intervention studies, including randomized trials, are needed to clarify optimal timing and dosage. ⋯ It seems likely that antifibrinolytic agents will receive less attention in future. However, rFVIIa promises to be a powerful tool in managing massive obstetric haemorrhage, although many questions concerning its efficacy and safety in differing clinical scenarios remain unanswered.
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The diagnosis of placenta accreta begins with clinical suspicion in patients at risk. Ultrasound and Doppler are first-choice diagnostic methods because of their accessibility and high sensitivity. Placental MRI is an accurate method of topographic stratification that makes it possible to define anatomy, to plan the surgical approach and to consider other therapeutic possibilities. ⋯ The main challenges include controlling the haemorrhage and dissection of the invaded tissues. Nowadays, there are two treatment options: caesarean hysterectomy or a conservative approach. With the latter, there is a choice between leaving the placenta in situ and waiting for its later resolution, and a one-step surgery that addresses the problems of invasion, vascular control and myometrial damage in a single surgical act.
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Best Pract Res Clin Obstet Gynaecol · Dec 2008
Anaesthetic issues related to postpartum haemorrhage (excluding antishock garments).
The obstetric anaesthetist is a key member of the multidisciplinary team required to manage postpartum haemorrhage, having been trained in resuscitation and being experienced in managing haemorrhage and in monitoring and caring for the critically ill patient. The diagnosis of shock, initial resuscitation controversies surrounding fluid replacement, cell salvage in obstetrics and monitoring are discussed.
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The aims of critical care management are broad. Critical illness in pregnancy is especially pertinent as the patient is usually young and previously fit, and management decisions must also consider the fetus. Assessment must consider the normal physiological changes of pregnancy, which may complicate diagnosis of disease and scoring levels of severity. ⋯ There are also increasing numbers of pregnancies in those with high-risk medical conditions such as cardiac disease. As numbers are small and clinical trials in pregnancy are not practical, management in most cases relies on general intensive care principles extrapolated from the non-pregnant population. This chapter will outline the aims of management in an organ-system-based approach, focusing on important general principles of critical care management with considerations for the pregnant and puerperal patient.
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Best Pract Res Clin Obstet Gynaecol · Oct 2008
ReviewCritical care in obstetrics: pregnancy-specific conditions.
This chapter summarizes the clinical presentation, pathophysiology, evaluation and management of six commonly encountered complications unique to pregnancy that require critical care management: obstetric haemorrhage; pre-eclampsia/HELLP (haemolysis-elevated liver enzymes-low platelets) syndrome; acute fatty liver of pregnancy; peripartum cardiomyopathy; amniotic fluid embolism; and trauma.