Circulation Atmegiso tmO Learn and live JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION Part 10. 8: Cardiac Arrest Associated with Pregnancy Circulation 2005: 1 12: 150-153; originally published online Nov 28, 2005 DOI: 10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA 105. 166570 Circulation is published by the American Heart Association. 7272 Greenville Avenue, Dallas, Tx 72514 Copyright o 2005 American Heart Association. All rights reserved. Print ISSN: 0009-7322. Online ISSN:15244539 The online version of this article, along with updated information and services, is located on the world wide web at http://circ.ahajournals.org/cgi/content/full/112/24suppl/iv-150 Subscriptions: Information about subscribing to Circulation is online at http://circ.ahajournals.org/subsriptions/ Permissions: Permissions Rights Desk, Lippincott Williams Wilkins, 351 West Cam Street. Baltimore MD 21202-2436 Phone 410-5280-4050. Fax: 410-528-8550 En journalpermissions@lww.com Reprints: Information about reprints can be found online at http://www.Iww.com/static/html/reprints.html Downloaded from circ. ahajournals. org by on February 21, 2006
ISSN: 1524-4539 Copyright © 2005 American Heart Association. All rights reserved. Print ISSN: 0009-7322. Online 72514 Circulation is published by the American Heart Association. 7272 Greenville Avenue, Dallas, TX DOI: 10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.105.166570 Circulation 2005;112;150-153; originally published online Nov 28, 2005; Part 10.8: Cardiac Arrest Associated With Pregnancy http://circ.ahajournals.org/cgi/content/full/112/24_suppl/IV-150 located on the World Wide Web at: The online version of this article, along with updated information and services, is http://www.lww.com/static/html/reprints.html Reprints: Information about reprints can be found online at journalpermissions@lww.com Street, Baltimore, MD 21202-2436. Phone 410-5280-4050. Fax: 410-528-8550. Email: Permissions: Permissions & Rights Desk, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 351 West Camden http://circ.ahajournals.org/subsriptions/ Subscriptions: Information about subscribing to Circulation is online at Downloaded from circ.ahajournals.org by on February 21, 2006
Part 10.8: Cardiac Arrest Associated With Pregnancy D urovidertemapve es usfeation aiea p rege m r and Defibrillation Defibrillate using standard ACls defibrillation doses the fetus. The best hope of fetal survival is maternal survival. Class Ila).5 Review the ACLS Pulseless Arrest Algo- For the critically ill patient who is pregnant, rescuers must rithm(see Part 7.2: "Management of Cardiac Arrest") provide appropriate resuscitation, with consideration of the There is no evidence that shocks from a direct current physiologic changes due to pregnancy defibrillator have adverse effects on the heart of the fetus Key Interventions to Prevent arrest If fetal or uterine monitors are in place, remove them To treat the critically ill pregnant patient: before delivering shocks Place the patient in the left lateral position(see below) Modifications of Advanced Cardiovascular e Give 100% Establish intravenous(IV) access and give a fluid bolus. Life Support The treatments listed in the standard ACLs Pulseless arrest Consider reversible causes of cardiac arrest and identify any preexisting medical conditions that may be complicat Algorithm, including recommendations and doses for defi- brillation, medications, and intubation, apply to cardiac arrest in the pregnant woman(see the Table). There are important Resuscitation of the Pregnant Woman in considerations to keep in mind, however, about airway, Cardiac arrest breathing, circulation, and the differential diagnosi Modifications of Basic Life Support Airway Several modifications to standard BLS approaches are appro- Secure the air resuscitation. Because of the priate for the pregnant woman in cardiac arrest (Table). At potential for gastroesophageal sphincter insufficiency gestational age of 20 weeks and beyond, the pregnant uterus with an increased risk of regurgitation, use continuous can press against the inferior vena cava and the aorta, cricoid pressure before and during attempted endotra- impeding venous return and cardiac output. Uterine obstruc- cheal intubation tion of venous return can produce prearrest hypotension or Be prepared to use an endotracheal tube 0.5 to I mm shock and in the critically ill patient may precipitate arrest. 2 maller in internal diameter than that used for a nonpreg In cardiac arrest the compromise in venous return and cardiac nant woman of similar size because the airway may be output by the gravid uterus limits the effectiveness of chest narrowed from edema.6 compressions. The gravid uterus may be shifted away from Breathing the inferior vena cava and the aorta by placing the patient 15 Pregnant patients can develop hypoxemia rapidly be- to 30 back from the left lateral position( Class Ila) or by cause they have decreased functional residual capacity pulling the gravid uterus to the side. This may be accom- and increased oxygen demand, so rescuers should be plished manually or by placement of a rolled blanket or other prepared to support oxygenation and ventilation. object under the right hip and lumbar area. Other modifica- Verify correct endotracheal tube placement usin tions are discussed below cal assessment and a device such as an exhal Airway and breathing detector. In late pregnancy the esophageal Hormonal changes promote insufficiency of the gastro- device is more likely to suggest esophageal placement esophageal sphincter, increasing the risk of regurgita- the aspirating bulb does not reinflate after compression tion Apply continuous cricoid pressure during positive- when the tube is actually in the trachea. This could lead pressure ventilation for any unconscious pregnant to the removal of a properly placed endotracheal tube Ventilation volumes may need to be reduced because the mother's diaphragm is elevated Circulation Circulation Perform chest compressions higher on the sternum, Follow the ACLs guidelines for resuscitation slightly above the center of the sternum. This will adjust medications for the elevation of the diaphragm and abdominal con- Vasopressor agents such as epinephrine, vasopressin tents caused by the gravid uterus.4 d dopamine will decrease blood flow to the uterus. There are no alternatives, however to using all indicated (Circulation. 2005: 112: IV-150-IV-153) medications in recommended doses. The mother must be o 2005 American Heart Association resuscitated or the chances of fetal resuscitation vanish This special supplement to Circulation is freely available at http://www.circulationaha.org Differential diagnoses. The same reversible causes of cardiac arrest that occur in nonpregnant women can occur DOI: 10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA. 105.166570 during pregnancy. But providers should be familiar with ⅣV150
Part 10.8: Cardiac Arrest Associated With Pregnancy During attempted resuscitation of a pregnant woman, providers have two potential patients, the mother and the fetus. The best hope of fetal survival is maternal survival. For the critically ill patient who is pregnant, rescuers must provide appropriate resuscitation, with consideration of the physiologic changes due to pregnancy. Key Interventions to Prevent Arrest To treat the critically ill pregnant patient: ● Place the patient in the left lateral position (see below). ● Give 100% oxygen. ● Establish intravenous (IV) access and give a fluid bolus. ● Consider reversible causes of cardiac arrest and identify any preexisting medical conditions that may be complicating the resuscitation. Resuscitation of the Pregnant Woman in Cardiac Arrest Modifications of Basic Life Support Several modifications to standard BLS approaches are appropriate for the pregnant woman in cardiac arrest (Table). At a gestational age of 20 weeks and beyond, the pregnant uterus can press against the inferior vena cava and the aorta, impeding venous return and cardiac output. Uterine obstruction of venous return can produce prearrest hypotension or shock and in the critically ill patient may precipitate arrest.1,2 In cardiac arrest the compromise in venous return and cardiac output by the gravid uterus limits the effectiveness of chest compressions. The gravid uterus may be shifted away from the inferior vena cava and the aorta by placing the patient 15° to 30° back from the left lateral position (Class IIa) or by pulling the gravid uterus to the side.3 This may be accomplished manually or by placement of a rolled blanket or other object under the right hip and lumbar area. Other modifications are discussed below. ● Airway and breathing – Hormonal changes promote insufficiency of the gastroesophageal sphincter, increasing the risk of regurgitation. Apply continuous cricoid pressure during positivepressure ventilation for any unconscious pregnant woman. ● Circulation – Perform chest compressions higher on the sternum, slightly above the center of the sternum. This will adjust for the elevation of the diaphragm and abdominal contents caused by the gravid uterus.4 ● Defibrillation – Defibrillate using standard ACLS defibrillation doses (Class IIa).5 Review the ACLS Pulseless Arrest Algorithm (see Part 7.2: “Management of Cardiac Arrest”). There is no evidence that shocks from a direct current defibrillator have adverse effects on the heart of the fetus. – If fetal or uterine monitors are in place, remove them before delivering shocks. Modifications of Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support The treatments listed in the standard ACLS Pulseless Arrest Algorithm, including recommendations and doses for defibrillation, medications, and intubation, apply to cardiac arrest in the pregnant woman (see the Table). There are important considerations to keep in mind, however, about airway, breathing, circulation, and the differential diagnosis. ● Airway – Secure the airway early in resuscitation. Because of the potential for gastroesophageal sphincter insufficiency with an increased risk of regurgitation, use continuous cricoid pressure before and during attempted endotracheal intubation. – Be prepared to use an endotracheal tube 0.5 to 1 mm smaller in internal diameter than that used for a nonpregnant woman of similar size because the airway may be narrowed from edema.6 ● Breathing – Pregnant patients can develop hypoxemia rapidly because they have decreased functional residual capacity and increased oxygen demand, so rescuers should be prepared to support oxygenation and ventilation. – Verify correct endotracheal tube placement using clinical assessment and a device such as an exhaled CO2 detector. In late pregnancy the esophageal detector device is more likely to suggest esophageal placement (the aspirating bulb does not reinflate after compression) when the tube is actually in the trachea. This could lead to the removal of a properly placed endotracheal tube. – Ventilation volumes may need to be reduced because the mother’s diaphragm is elevated. ● Circulation – Follow the ACLS guidelines for resuscitation medications. – Vasopressor agents such as epinephrine, vasopressin, and dopamine will decrease blood flow to the uterus. There are no alternatives, however, to using all indicated medications in recommended doses. The mother must be resuscitated or the chances of fetal resuscitation vanish. ● Differential diagnoses. The same reversible causes of cardiac arrest that occur in nonpregnant women can occur during pregnancy. But providers should be familiar with (Circulation. 2005;112:IV-150-IV-153.) © 2005 American Heart Association. This special supplement to Circulation is freely available at http://www.circulationaha.org DOI: 10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.105.166570 IV-150
Part 10.8: Cardiac Arrest Associated with Pregnancy Iv-151 Primary and Secondary ABCD Surveys: Modifications for Pregnant Women ACLS Modifications to bls and acls guidelines Primary ABCD Surve Airway ● No modifications. Breathing Place the woman on her left side with her back angled 15 to 30 back from the left lateral position. Then start chest Place a wedge under the woman' s right side(so that she tilts toward her left side e Have one rescuer kneel next to the woman' s left side and pull the gravid uterus laterally. This maneuver will relieve pressure the inferior vena cava Defibrillation No modifications in dose or pad position. Defibrillation shocks transfer no significant current to the fetus. e Remove any fetal or uterine monitors before shock delivery Secondary ABCD Survey Airway e Insert an advanced airway earty in resuscitation to reduce the risk of regurgitation and aspiration Airway edema and swelling may reduce the diameter of the trachea. Be prepared to use a tracheal tube that is slightly smaller than the one you would use for a nonpregnant woman of similar siz Monitor for excessive bleeding following insertion of any tube into the oropharynx or nasopharynx. No modifications to intubation techniques. a provider experienced in intubation should insert the tracheal tube Effective preoxygenation is critical because hypoxia can develop quickly Rapid sequence intubation with continuous cricoid pressure is the preferred technique. Agents for anesthesia or deep sedation should be selected to minimize hypotension e No modifications of confirmation of tube placement Note that the esophageal detector device may suggest esophageal placement despite correct tracheal tube placement The gravid uterus elevates the diaphragm: -Patients can develop hypoxemia if either oxygen demand or pulmonary function is compromised. They have less reserve because functional residual capacity and functional residual volume are decreased. minute ventilation and tidal volume are increased -Tailor ventilatory support to produce effective oxygenation and ventilation Follow standard acls recommendations for administration of all resuscitation medications Do not use the femoral vein or other lower extremity sites for venous access. Drugs administered through these sites may not reach the maternal heart unless or until the fetus is delivered Dififerential Decide whether to perform emergency hysterotomy e Identify and treat reversible causes of the arrest. Consider causes related to pregnancy and causes considered for all ACLS patients(see the 6 H's and 6 Ts, in Part 7.2: "Management of Cardiac Arrest"). pregnancy-specific diseases and procedural complications the treatment of choice for magnesium toxicity. Empiric Providers should try to identify these common and revers- calcium administration may be lifesaving 8.9 ible causes of cardiac arrest in pregnancy during resusci- Acute coronary syndromes. Pregnant women may expe ation attempts. The use of abdominal ultrasound by a rience acute coronary syndromes, typically in association skilled operator should be considered in detecting preg with other medical conditions. Because fibrinolytics an nancy and possible causes of the cardiac arrest, but this relatively contraindicated in pregnancy, percutaneous should not delay other treatments. oronary intervention is the reperfusion strategy of Excess magnesium sulfate. latrogenic overdose is possi- hoice for ST-elevation myocardial infarction. 10 ble in women with eclampsia who receive magnesium Pre-eclampsia/eclampsia. Pre-eclampsia/eclampsia de sulfate, particularly if the woman becomes oliguric velops after the 20th week of gestation and can produce Administration of calcium gluconate(I ampule or 1 g)is severe hypertension and ultimate diffuse organ system
pregnancy-specific diseases and procedural complications. Providers should try to identify these common and reversible causes of cardiac arrest in pregnancy during resuscitation attempts.7 The use of abdominal ultrasound by a skilled operator should be considered in detecting pregnancy and possible causes of the cardiac arrest, but this should not delay other treatments. – Excess magnesium sulfate. Iatrogenic overdose is possible in women with eclampsia who receive magnesium sulfate, particularly if the woman becomes oliguric. Administration of calcium gluconate (1 ampule or 1 g) is the treatment of choice for magnesium toxicity. Empiric calcium administration may be lifesaving.8,9 – Acute coronary syndromes. Pregnant women may experience acute coronary syndromes, typically in association with other medical conditions. Because fibrinolytics are relatively contraindicated in pregnancy, percutaneous coronary intervention is the reperfusion strategy of choice for ST-elevation myocardial infarction.10 – Pre-eclampsia/eclampsia. Pre-eclampsia/eclampsia develops after the 20th week of gestation and can produce severe hypertension and ultimate diffuse organ system Primary and Secondary ABCD Surveys: Modifications for Pregnant Women ACLS Approach Modifications to BLS and ACLS Guidelines Primary ABCD Survey Airway ● No modifications. Breathing ● No modifications. Circulation ● Place the woman on her left side with her back angled 15° to 30° back from the left lateral position. Then start chest compressions. or ● Place a wedge under the woman’s right side (so that she tilts toward her left side). or ● Have one rescuer kneel next to the woman’s left side and pull the gravid uterus laterally. This maneuver will relieve pressure on the inferior vena cava. Defibrillation ● No modifications in dose or pad position. ● Defibrillation shocks transfer no significant current to the fetus. ● Remove any fetal or uterine monitors before shock delivery. Secondary ABCD Survey Airway ● Insert an advanced airway early in resuscitation to reduce the risk of regurgitation and aspiration. ● Airway edema and swelling may reduce the diameter of the trachea. Be prepared to use a tracheal tube that is slightly smaller than the one you would use for a nonpregnant woman of similar size. ● Monitor for excessive bleeding following insertion of any tube into the oropharynx or nasopharynx. ● No modifications to intubation techniques. A provider experienced in intubation should insert the tracheal tube. ● Effective preoxygenation is critical because hypoxia can develop quickly. ● Rapid sequence intubation with continuous cricoid pressure is the preferred technique. ● Agents for anesthesia or deep sedation should be selected to minimize hypotension. Breathing ● No modifications of confirmation of tube placement. Note that the esophageal detector device may suggest esophageal placement despite correct tracheal tube placement. ● The gravid uterus elevates the diaphragm: —Patients can develop hypoxemia if either oxygen demand or pulmonary function is compromised. They have less reserve because functional residual capacity and functional residual volume are decreased. Minute ventilation and tidal volume are increased. —Tailor ventilatory support to produce effective oxygenation and ventilation. Circulation ● Follow standard ACLS recommendations for administration of all resuscitation medications. ● Do not use the femoral vein or other lower extremity sites for venous access. Drugs administered through these sites may not reach the maternal heart unless or until the fetus is delivered. Differential Diagnosis and Decisions ● Decide whether to perform emergency hysterotomy. ● Identify and treat reversible causes of the arrest. Consider causes related to pregnancy and causes considered for all ACLS patients (see the 6 H’s and 6 T’s, in Part 7.2: “Management of Cardiac Arrest”). Part 10.8: Cardiac Arrest Associated With Pregnancy IV-151
IV- 52 Circulation December 13. 2005 failure. If untreated it may result in maternal and fetal Decision Making for Emergency Hysterotomy morbidity and mortality. The resuscitation team should consider several maternal and Aortic dissection. Pregnant women are at increased risk fetal factors in determining the need for an emergency for spontaneous aortic dissection. Life-threatening pulmonary embolism and stroke. Suc cessful use of fibrinolytics for a massive, life-threatening Consider gestational age. Although the gravid uterus pulmonary embolism -l3 and ischemic stroke 4 have reaches a size that will begin to compromise aortocaval been reported in pregnant women. blood flow at approximately 20 weeks of gestation, fetal Amniotic fluid embolism. Clinicians have reported suc- viability begins at approximately 24 to 25 weeks. Portable cessful use of cardiopulmonary bypass for women with ultrasonography, available in some emergency depart life-threatening amniotic fluid embolism during labor ments, may aid in determination of gestational age(in and delivery. 5 experienced hands) and positioning. However, the use of Trauma and drug overdose. Pregnant women are not ultrasound should not delay the decision to perform emer exempt from the accidents and mental illnesses that gency hysterotomy. 30 afflict much of society. Domestic violence also increases Gestational age <20 weeks. Urgent cesarean delivery during pregnancy: in fact, homicide and suicide are need not be considered because a gravid uterus of this leading causes of mortality during pregnancy. 6. 7 size is unlikely to significantly compromis cardiac output Emergency Hysterotomy(Cesarean Delivery) for Gestational age approximately 20 to 23 weeks. Perform the pregnant woman in cardiac arrest an emergency hysterotomy to enable successful resusci- tation of the mother not the survival of the delivered Maternal Cardiac Arrest Not Immediately Reversed by bls and acls infant, which is unlikely at this gestational age. The resuscitation team leader should consider the need for an Gestational age approximately 224 to 25 weeks. Per emergency hysterotomy(cesarean delivery) protocol as soon form an emergency hysterotomy to save the life of both as a pregnant woman develops cardiac arrest. 4. l6-l8 The best the mother and the infant survival rate for infants >24 to 25 weeks in gestation occurs Consider features of the cardiac arrest. The hen the delivery of the infant occurs no more than 5 minutes features of the cardiac arrest can increase the infant's after the mother's heart stops beating. 6. 19-2 This typically chance for survival requires that the provider begin the hysterotomy about 4 Short interval between the mother's arrest and the minutes after cardiac arrest infants delivery Emergency hysterotomy is an aggressive procedure. It may No sustained prearrest hypoxia in the mother seem counterintuitive given that the key to salvage of a Minimal or no signs of fetal distress before the mothers potentially viable infant is resuscitation of the mother. 6, 10, cardiac arrest But the mother cannot be resuscitated until venous return and ggressive and effective resuscitative efforts for the aortic output are restored. Delivery of the baby empties the mother uterus, relieving both the venous obstruction and the aortic The hysterotomy is performed in a medical center with a compression. The hysterotomy also allows access to the neonatal intensive care unit infant so that newborn resu be Consider the professional setting The critical point to remember is that you will lose both Are appropriate equipment and supplies available? mother and infant if you cannot restore blood flow to the Is emergency hysterotomy within the rescuer's proce- mother ' s heart 4.18, 25,26 Note that 4 to 5 minutes is the dural range of experience and skills? maximum time rescuers will have to determine if the arrest Are skilled neonatal/pediatric support personnel avail- can be reversed by Bls and ACLS interventions. The rescue able to care for the infant, especially if the infant is not team is not required to wait for this time to elapse before full term? ng emergency hysterotomy. 27 Recent reports document Are obstetric personnel immediately available to support long intervals between an rgent decision for hysterotomy the mother after delivery and actual delivery of the infant, far exceeding the obstetrical Advance Preparation guideline of 30 minutes. 28,29 Experts and organizations have emphasized the importance of Establishment of iv access and an advanced airway typi- advance preparation. 4. 18 26 Medical centers must review cally requires several minutes. In most cases the actual whether performance of an emergency hysterotomy is feasi- cesarean delivery cannot proceed until after administration of ble at their center, and if so, they must identify the best means IV medications and endotracheal intubation. Resuscitation of rapidly accomplishing this procedure. The plans should be team leaders should activate the protocol for an emergency made in collaboration with the obstetric and pediatric cesarean delivery as soon as cardiac arrest is identified in the services. pregnant woman. By the time the team leader is poised to deliver the baby, IV access has been established, initial Summary medications have been administered, an advanced airway is Successful resuscitation of a pregnant woman and survival of in place, and the immediate reversibility of the cardiac arrest the fetus require prompt and excellent CPR with has been determined modifications in basic and advanced cardiovascular
failure. If untreated it may result in maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. – Aortic dissection. Pregnant women are at increased risk for spontaneous aortic dissection. – Life-threatening pulmonary embolism and stroke. Successful use of fibrinolytics for a massive, life-threatening pulmonary embolism11–13 and ischemic stroke14 have been reported in pregnant women. – Amniotic fluid embolism. Clinicians have reported successful use of cardiopulmonary bypass for women with life-threatening amniotic fluid embolism during labor and delivery.15 – Trauma and drug overdose. Pregnant women are not exempt from the accidents and mental illnesses that afflict much of society. Domestic violence also increases during pregnancy; in fact, homicide and suicide are leading causes of mortality during pregnancy.6,7 Emergency Hysterotomy (Cesarean Delivery) for the Pregnant Woman in Cardiac Arrest Maternal Cardiac Arrest Not Immediately Reversed by BLS and ACLS The resuscitation team leader should consider the need for an emergency hysterotomy (cesarean delivery) protocol as soon as a pregnant woman develops cardiac arrest.4,16 –18 The best survival rate for infants 24 to 25 weeks in gestation occurs when the delivery of the infant occurs no more than 5 minutes after the mother’s heart stops beating.16,19 –21 This typically requires that the provider begin the hysterotomy about 4 minutes after cardiac arrest. Emergency hysterotomy is an aggressive procedure. It may seem counterintuitive given that the key to salvage of a potentially viable infant is resuscitation of the mother. 6,10,22–24 But the mother cannot be resuscitated until venous return and aortic output are restored. Delivery of the baby empties the uterus, relieving both the venous obstruction and the aortic compression. The hysterotomy also allows access to the infant so that newborn resuscitation can begin. The critical point to remember is that you will lose both mother and infant if you cannot restore blood flow to the mother’s heart.4,18,25,26 Note that 4 to 5 minutes is the maximum time rescuers will have to determine if the arrest can be reversed by BLS and ACLS interventions. The rescue team is not required to wait for this time to elapse before initiating emergency hysterotomy.27 Recent reports document long intervals between an urgent decision for hysterotomy and actual delivery of the infant, far exceeding the obstetrical guideline of 30 minutes.28,29 Establishment of IV access and an advanced airway typically requires several minutes. In most cases the actual cesarean delivery cannot proceed until after administration of IV medications and endotracheal intubation. Resuscitation team leaders should activate the protocol for an emergency cesarean delivery as soon as cardiac arrest is identified in the pregnant woman. By the time the team leader is poised to deliver the baby, IV access has been established, initial medications have been administered, an advanced airway is in place, and the immediate reversibility of the cardiac arrest has been determined. Decision Making for Emergency Hysterotomy The resuscitation team should consider several maternal and fetal factors in determining the need for an emergency hysterotomy. ● Consider gestational age. Although the gravid uterus reaches a size that will begin to compromise aortocaval blood flow at approximately 20 weeks of gestation, fetal viability begins at approximately 24 to 25 weeks. Portable ultrasonography, available in some emergency departments, may aid in determination of gestational age (in experienced hands) and positioning. However, the use of ultrasound should not delay the decision to perform emergency hysterotomy.30 – Gestational age 20 weeks. Urgent cesarean delivery need not be considered because a gravid uterus of this size is unlikely to significantly compromise maternal cardiac output. – Gestational age approximately 20 to 23 weeks. Perform an emergency hysterotomy to enable successful resuscitation of the mother, not the survival of the delivered infant, which is unlikely at this gestational age. – Gestational age approximately 24 to 25 weeks. Perform an emergency hysterotomy to save the life of both the mother and the infant. ● Consider features of the cardiac arrest. The following features of the cardiac arrest can increase the infant’s chance for survival: – Short interval between the mother’s arrest and the infant’s delivery19 – No sustained prearrest hypoxia in the mother – Minimal or no signs of fetal distress before the mother’s cardiac arrest31 – Aggressive and effective resuscitative efforts for the mother – The hysterotomy is performed in a medical center with a neonatal intensive care unit ● Consider the professional setting. – Are appropriate equipment and supplies available? – Is emergency hysterotomy within the rescuer’s procedural range of experience and skills? – Are skilled neonatal/pediatric support personnel available to care for the infant, especially if the infant is not full term? – Are obstetric personnel immediately available to support the mother after delivery? Advance Preparation Experts and organizations have emphasized the importance of advance preparation.4,18,26 Medical centers must review whether performance of an emergency hysterotomy is feasible at their center, and if so, they must identify the best means of rapidly accomplishing this procedure. The plans should be made in collaboration with the obstetric and pediatric services. Summary Successful resuscitation of a pregnant woman and survival of the fetus require prompt and excellent CPR with some modifications in basic and advanced cardiovascular life IV-152 Circulation December 13, 2005
Part 10.8: Cardiac Arrest Associated with Pregnancy IV-153 pport techniques. By the 20th week of gestation, the gravid 13. Patel RK. R. Thrombolysis in pregnancy. Thromb rus can compress the inferior vena cava and the aorta o2a obstructing venous return and arterial blood flow. Rescuers w. Fibrinolysis with alteplase in a pregnant woman with stroke. Cere can relieve this compression by positioning the woman on her 15. Stanten RD, Iverson LI, Daugharty TM. Lovett SM, Terry C, Blu- side or by pulling the gravid uterus to the side. Defibrillation menstock E. Amniotic fluid embolism causing catastrophic pulmonary and medication doses used for resuscitation of the pregnant vasoconstriction: diagnosis by transesophageal echocardiogram and treatment by cardiopulmonary bypass. Obstet Gynecol. 2003 woman are the same as those used for other adults in pulseless 496-498. arrest. Rescuers should consider the need for emergency 16. Katz VL, Dotters DJ, Droegemueller W Perimortem cesarean delivery. hysterotomy as soon as the pregnant woman develops cardiac Obstef Gynecol. 1986: 68: 571-57 rrest because rescuers should be prepared to proceed with 17. American Heart Association in collaboration with International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation. Guidelines 2000 for Cardiopulmonary the hysterotomy if the resuscitation is not successful within Resuscitation and Emergency Cardiovascular Care: International Con- nsus on Science. Part 8: Advanced Challenges in Resuscitation: Section 3: Advanced Challenges in ECC. Cire 2000:102( suppl ):I229-25 References 1. Page-Rodriguez A, Gonzalez-Sanchez JA. Perimortem cesarean sectio Pregnancy. In: Cummins R, Hazinski M, Field J, eds. ACLSThe Ref- ase report and review of the literature. Acad Emerg nce Textbook. Dallas: American Heart Association: 2003: 143-158 Med.1999:6:1072-1074 19. Oates S. Williams GL, Rees GA Cardiopulmonary resuscitation in late 2. Cardosi R, Porter KB. Cesarean delivery of twins during maternal pregnancy.BMJ.1988:297:404-405 cardiopulmonary arrest. Obstet Gynecol. 1998: 92: 695-697 20. Strong THJ, Lowe RA. Perimortem cesarean section. Am J Emerg Med. 3. Goodwin AP. Pearce AJ. The human wedge. A manoeuvre to relieve 19897:489-494 aortocaval compression during resuscitation in late pregnancy. Anaes- 21. Boyd R, Teece S. Towards evidence based emergency medicine: best thesia 199 BETs from the Manchester Royal Infirmary. Perimortem caesarean 4. Morris s, Stacey M. Resuscitation in pregnancy. BMJ. 2003; 327: section. Emerg Med J. 2002: 19: 324-325 277-1279 22. Datner EM. Promes sB on issues in pregnancy. In: Rosen P, 5. Nanson J, Elcock D, Williams M, Deakin CD. Do phys Barkin R, eds. Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 4th pregnancy change defibrillation energy rec 2 Br J Anaesth ed St Louis, Mo: Mosby: 1998: 71-76. 23. Whitten M, Irvine LM. Postmortem and perimorte 6. Johnson MD, Luppi CJ, Over DC. Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation. In: Gambling DR, Douglas MJ, eds. Obstetric Anesthesia and Uncommon 24. Kupas DF, Harter SC, Vosk A. Out-of-hospital perimortem cesarean Disorders. Philadelphia: WB Saunders: 1998:51-74 section Prehosp Emerg Care. 1998: 2: 206-208 7. Department of Health, Welsh Office, Scottish Office Department of 25. Lanoix R Akkapeddi V, Goldfeder B Perimortem cesarean section: case Health, Department of Health and Social Services, Northern Ireland. Why mothers die. Report on confidential enquiries into maternal deaths in the 26. Part 8: advanced challenges in resuscitation. Section 3: special challenges United Kingdom 2000-2002. London, England: The Stationery Office; tation Council. Resuscitation. 2000: 46: 293-295 8. Poole JH, Long J. Maternal mortality-a review of current trends. Crit 27. Stallard TC, Burns B. Emergency delivery and perimortem C-section. Care Nurs Clin North Am. 2004: 16: 227-23 Emerg Med Clin North Am. 2003: 21: 679-693 9. Munro PT. Management of eclampsia in the accident and emergency 28. MacKenzie IZ. Cooke I. what is a reasonable time from decision-to- department. J Accid Emerg Med. 2000; 17:7-I1 delivery by caesarean section? Evidence from 415 deliveries. BJOG. 10. Doan-Wiggins L Resuscitation of the pregnant patient suffering sudden 2002;109498-504 death. In: Paradis NA, Halperin HR, Nowak RM, eds Cardiac Arrest: 9. Helmy WH, Jolaoso As, Ifaturoti OO, Afify SA, Jones MH. The he Science and Practice of Resuscitation Medicine. Baltimore, Md decision-to-delivery interval for emergency caesarean section: is 30 Williams Wilkins: 1997- 812-81 I1. Turrentine MA, Braems G, Ramirez MM. Use of thrombolytics for the 30. Moore C, Promes SB. Ultrasound in pregnancy. Emerg Med Clin North treatment of thromboembolic disease during pregnancy. Obstet Gynecol Am.2004:22:697-722. Sur.1995:50:534-541 31. Morris JA Jr, Rosenbower TJ, Jurkovich GJ, Hoyt DB, Harviel JD, 2. 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support techniques. By the 20th week of gestation, the gravid uterus can compress the inferior vena cava and the aorta, obstructing venous return and arterial blood flow. Rescuers can relieve this compression by positioning the woman on her side or by pulling the gravid uterus to the side. Defibrillation and medication doses used for resuscitation of the pregnant woman are the same as those used for other adults in pulseless arrest. Rescuers should consider the need for emergency hysterotomy as soon as the pregnant woman develops cardiac arrest because rescuers should be prepared to proceed with the hysterotomy if the resuscitation is not successful within minutes. References 1. Page-Rodriguez A, Gonzalez-Sanchez JA. Perimortem cesarean section of twin pregnancy: case report and review of the literature. Acad Emerg Med. 1999;6:1072–1074. 2. Cardosi RJ, Porter KB. Cesarean delivery of twins during maternal cardiopulmonary arrest. Obstet Gynecol. 1998;92:695– 697. 3. 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