Obstetrics Flashcards
Cardiovascular and respiratory changes associated with normal pregnancy?
CV
- Increase CO
- highest CO right after delivery d/t autotransfusion of empty uterus that now contracts and release of aorta-caval compression (baby not on IVC now)
RISKY time for CV hx pts (ex: fixed valvular stenosis/pHTN) → huge sudden increase in CO
- Decrease SVR, SBP
- S1 and S3 toward end pregnant
- Left axis deviation
- Left ventricular hypertrophy
- Aortacaval compression- uterus sitting on IVC → decreases BP
- Hypercoaguble state - increase fibrinogen, factor 7
- Gestational thrombocytopenia d/t hemodiluation
Respiratory
- Decrease FRC, arterial CO2 tension
- Increase mV, alveolar ventilation, O2 consumption, CO2 production, arterial O2 tension
- Capillary engrogement causing difficult AW
Effects of pregnancy on:
plasma volume?
total blood volume?
hemoglobin?
fibrinogen?
serum cholinesterase activity?
plasma volume- increase 40-50%
total blood volume- increase 25-40%
hemoglobin- dilutional decrease. 11-12 g/dL normal in pregnancy
fibrinogen- increase 100%
serum cholinesterase activity- decrease 20-30%
Effect of pregnancy on blood volume/composition?
Increase intravascular fluid volume in 1st trimester
- Rising progesterone levels → increased RAAS
- more Na reabsorption → H2O retention
Albumin – 25 % dec
Total protein- 10% dec
- decrease colloidal osmotic pressure
Plasma volume 50% increase→ prepare for BL during delivery
- Blood volume normalize 6-9 Postpartum
What is the impact of aortocaval compression during pregnancy?
Uterus sitting on IVC → decrease BP
- Supine hypoTN syndrome – decrease MAP > 15 mmHg w/ increase HR > 20bpm
- CV sig changes:
- diaphoresis
- N/V
- mental status change
- Tx: LUD position (elevate R hip 10-15 cm w/ wedge/tilt)- anyone after 20 wks
- Prevents hypoTN and increase fetal BF
Airway changes during pregnancy and anesthetic implications
- Capillary engorgement
- DAW
- Avoid instruments
- Most expert
- Small ETT
- Position optimal
- Decrease FRC… → reserve dec
Coagulation changes during pregnancy?
- Hypercoagulable state → increase fibrinogen, factor 7
- Factor 11 & 13 decreased
- ATIII, Protein S- decreased
- Protein C- unchanged
- Plt normal- but dec 10% d/t dilutional effect
- Gestational thrombocytopenia -d/t hemodilution and rapid plt turnover
- r/o: ITP, hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, HELLP → do TEG on at risk pt
- PLT usually not < 70k unless problem
- Normal pregnancy: PT and aPTT decreased by 20%
What are the physiologic effects progesterone has on a pregnant mother?
- Increase RAAS Activity –> increase BV –> increase CO
- Vascular Muscle Relaxation –> decrease SVR & PVR –> increase BF
- increase mV (Vt > RR) –> decrease PaCO2 –> Kidneys secrete Hco3 to preserve pH
Describe the stages of labor and the pain innervation associated with those stages.
Stages of Labor (3)
-
First
- Start: regular painful contractions
- End: complete cervical dilation
- Length: ~ 2 - 20 hours
-
Second
- Start: complete cervical dilation
- End: birth
-
Third
- Start: Birth
- End: Placenta delivery
-
Fourth (New)
- Placenta to hemostatic stabilization
Labor Pain
-
1st Stage - visceral
- Cervical distention and stretching of lower uterine segment
- Latent phase: T10 – T12
- Active Phase: T10 – L1
- Non-specific nociceptor – unmyelinated C fibers
- Visceral afferent fibers travel w/ sympathetic nerve fibers to uterine & cervical plexus and then through hypogastric & aortic plexus
- Cervical distention and stretching of lower uterine segment
-
2nd Stage – somatic
- Mediation:
- Pudendal nerve (S2-4)
- Somatic afferent fibers – myelinated A delta
- Pain impulse from perineum, pelvic floor, vagina
- Mediation:
Inhaled Anesthetics and pregnancy
N2O
- Onset immediate
- duration minutes
- minimal effect on mother/fetus, may only be partially effective
- Impact on B12 synthesis
VA:
- MAC reduced up to 40% d/t progesterone
Regional anesthesia options for labor pain?
- Spinal opioids alone
- Single vs intermittent injection
- Good in high-risk patients – cardiac patients
- Local anesthetic +/- opioids
- Epidural
- Local only vs. local + opioids
- Dural puncture epidural can inadvertently do CSE and do wet tap and do this technique unintentionally
- Place epidural – puncture dura with spinal needle
- Bolus epidural
- Risks: typically these are result of wet-tap (unintentional tech)
- Epidural
- Combined spinal epidural (CSE)
- frequent technique for quick analgesia and follow up with epidural for continued labor
- Walking epidural – low dose local +/- opioid intrathecal
- Thread epidural catheter – initiate epidural at later moment
- Uses: quick analgesia and need bolus epidurals after
- Saddle block – pudendal nerve (somatic pain)
- Bupivacaine 2.5 mg and fentanyl 25 mcg
DOSING: Decreased!
- Neuraxial req reduced by 40% at term
- Epidural veins distended
- Volume of epidural fat increases
- → increases size of epidural space/volume of CSF in SA space → more spread
Considerations for fetal heart rate monitoring? tachycardia? Bradycardia?
- Follow:
- Baseline HR (120-160 bpm)
- beat to beat variability
- FHR pattern
- Baseline
- Normal varies between 120 -160 BPM
-
Fetal Tachycardia- fetal distress
- > 160 BPM
- Fetal hypoxia
- maternal fever
- sympathomimetic drugs
- fetal anemia
- fetal cardiac anomalies
- > 160 BPM
-
Fetal Bradycardia (more ominous)
- < 100 BPM
- Fetal head compression
- umbilical cord compression
- sympatholytic drugs
- prolonged hypoxia
- fetal cardiac anomalies
- < 100 BPM
What are some various fetal heart rate patterns?
- A. Early Decelerations
- Fetal head compression → baroreceptor activation
- Uniform in nature – mirrors contraction
- ~ 10 – 40 beat/min –NOT associated w/ fetal distress
- B. Late Decelerations
- Uteroplacental insufficiency
- Decrease FHR at or following peak of uterine contraction
- Decrease varies b/t 10 – 20 beats/min
- Gradual and smooth return to baseline
- can be concerning
- C. Variable Decelerations
- Most common fetal pattern
- Variable in onset, duration, and magnitude
- > 30 BPM
- Variable in onset, duration, and magnitude
- R/t cord compression
- Associated with: FETAL HYPOXIA
- FHR declines < 60 BPM
- lasts > 60 seconds
- persists > 30 minutes
- Most common fetal pattern
- Late decels and ominous variable decels → emergent c/s
Category I, II, III FHR intepretation system?
Catergory 1:
- All of the following:
- Baseline rate 110-160 bpm
- Baseline FHR variability moderate
- Late or variable decels- absent
- early decel present or absent
- accelerations: present or absent
Catergory 3:
- Absent baseline FHR varaibility and any of the following:
- recurrent late decels
- recurrent varaibile decels
- bradycardia
- sinusoidal pattern
- concerning and need to go to OR
Catergory 2: all FHR tracings not categorized as I or III.
Preop considerations for elective c-section (from coexist)
- Preoperatively
- History/Physical
- Airway evaluation
- Informed Consent
- LUD (left uterine displacement)
- > 20 weeks – Aortic Caval Syndrome
- IV access (free flowing 18-16 gauge)
- Hydration (minimal 500 mL)
- Aspiration prophylaxis (bicitra, metoclopramide, ranitidine)
- Supplemental O2
- Anesthetic plan/ postoperative analgesia plan
- History/Physical
- Choice of anesthetic depends on
- Indications for surgery
- Degree of urgency
- Maternal status
- Condition of fetus
- Desires of the patient
- Sometimes too emergent → put to sleep
Anesthetic plan for preop/induction emergent c-section? (coexist)
- Preop assessment of airway
- Large bore IV
- Aspiration prophylaxis (Non-particulate antacid, H2-blocker, Reglan)
- Monitors/suction/ emergency airway cart
- Optimal airway positioning/ LUD
- Preoxygenate! (3 min or longer)
- Prep + drape –surgeon ready
- RSI w/cricoid (10 N while awake; inc to 30 N after LOC) → start putting force before even asleep
- Agents available
- Ketamine (used with maternal hypotensive crisis) 1 mg/kg
- Etomidate 0.3 mg/kg
- Propofol 2-2.5 mg/kg
- Succinylcholine 1-1.5 mg/kg
- Preferred muscle relaxant
- Smaller ETT- 6.0, 6.5
- Glidescope
Intubation considerations for emergent c-section? What happens immediately following intubation?
- Intubate
- Expect difficult intubation
- Proper positioning
- Short handled laryngoscope (Datta) recommended
- Use minimal amount of time; first attempt best attempt
- Smaller ETT 6.0 or 6.5
- Use caution…friable tissues and decreased airway size
- Verify placement of ETT → tell surgeon!
- Then…Surgeon makes skin incision (after tube placement verified)
- Ventilate with 50% O2/50% N2O & VA (~1 MAC) → overpressure!
- Don’t forget to turn on gas! Tremendous recall
- Secure ETT, tape eyes, OGT
- ****Critical interval of 3 minutes between uterine incision and delivery of fetus
- Tremendous recall risk → medications waring down and youre busy (mom remembers)
- Delivery of baby
- PCA pump (bc didn’t do spinal)
- As soon as baby is delivered→ can give Versed, Fent, etc.
What happens after delivery in emergent c-section (coexist)
-
AFTER DELIVERY:
-
Reduce VA (.75 MAC) → may increase N2O to 70%, and give opioids and benzodiazepine
- Reduce MAC → don’t want to vasodilate & bleed out
-
Reduce VA (.75 MAC) → may increase N2O to 70%, and give opioids and benzodiazepine
- Possible NDMR
- Delivery of placenta
- Then can add oxytocin to IV → start contracting of uterus so that mom doesn’t hemorrhage
- At end:
- Suction OGT
- Reverse NDMR if necessary
- Extubate AWAKE
- Emergence and recovery is a critical period for anesthesia-related deaths from airway factors!
What is gestational hypertension?
- Most frequent cause of HTN during pregnancy
- Incidence:
- ~ 7% parturients
- Characterizations:
- BP > 140/90 AFTER 20 wks gestation after previously normal BP
- Without proteinuria
- Most cases develop > 37 weeks’ gestation
- Self-limiting: Resolves by 12 weeks postpartum
- ~ ¼ will develop preeclampsia
- True diagnosis only made after delivery when chronic hypertension can be ruled out
What is chronic hypertension of pregnancy?
- Systolic BP > 140 and/or diastolic BP > 90
- Starts before pregnancy or PRIOR to 20 weeks
- Elevated blood pressure that fails to resolve after delivery
- Consequences:
- Develops into preeclampsia ~ 1/5- ¼ affected patients
- Still an important risk factor for unfavorable maternal and fetal pregnancy outcomes
Describe the pathophysiological process assicated with developing preeclampsia
-
Unknown Exact pathogenic mechanism
- Hypothesis: Immune maladaptation → leads to inflammation
- Focus on the placenta
- Delivery of placenta resolves preeclampsia
- Can occur in absence of a fetus (molar pregnancy)
-
2 stage disorder
- 1st stage = asymptomatic
- 2nd stage = symptomatic
-
1st stage
- Impaired remodeling of spiral arteries
- End branch of uterine artery that supplies placenta
-
Normally
- Cytotrophoblasts invade the spiral arteries changing them to low resistance and high flow vessels
- Adrenergic denervation
- Cytotrophoblasts invade the spiral arteries changing them to low resistance and high flow vessels
-
Preeclampsia
- Invasion is incomplete leaving small and constricted vessels that are responsive to adrenergic stimuli
- Not undergo necessary remodeling →
- Leaves high pressure system
- Responsive to adrenergic stimuli
- Not undergo necessary remodeling →
- Invasion is incomplete leaving small and constricted vessels that are responsive to adrenergic stimuli
- Impaired remodeling of spiral arteries
-
2nd Stage
- Widespread endothelial damage/dysfunction causing
- plt aggregation, thrombocytopenia, hemolytic anemia, increase liver enzymes → HELLP
- HTN from:
- Decrease production/sensitivity of vasodilatory substances → increase SVR → HTN
- Increase sensitivity to vasocontrictor substances (Angiotensin, NE) –> vasospasm → dec GFR → dec aldosterone escape/Na & H20 retention → HTN
- Increase glomerular cap permeability and proteinuria → EDEMA
- Insufficient placental BF → leads to placental hypoxia→ IUGR
- Increased production of free radicals and lipid peroxides
- Imbalances
- Vasoconstrictors: (thromboxane A2 = ⇧)
- Vasodilators (prostacyclin’s = ⇩)
- Hypoxia →
- increase antiangiogenic factors (sFlt-1 and soluble endoglin) factors → decrease vascular endothelial growth factors & placental growth factors.
- Widespread endothelial damage/dysfunction causing

What are diagnostic criteria for mild vs severe pre-eclampsia? Risk factors associated?
Mild:
- BP > 140/90 after 20 wks gestation
- Proteinuria
- 300 mg/24 hours
- 1+ on dipstick
- protein/creatine ratio > 0.3
Severe:
- BP > 160/110
- Proteinuria
- > 5g/24 hours
- >3+ on dipstick)
- Thrombocytopenia
- platelet < 100,000
- Serum creatinine
- > 1.1 mg/dl (or 2x’s baseline)
- Pulmonary edema
- New onset cerebral or visual disturbances
- Impaired liver function
- Epigastric pain
- Intrauterine growth restriction
Coexisting diseases that increase r/f pre-e
- Chronic renal disease
- Lupus
- Protein S deficiency
- Increased pulse pressure during 1st trimester
Obstetric Factors
- African American
- Nulliparity
- Advanced age (> 40)
- Smoking
- Obesity
- Diabetes
- Multiple gestation
- History of pre-eclampsia
Pathologic alterations/complications per system in preeclampsia?
- Neurological
- Headache, Visual disturbances
- Hyperreflexia
- Seizures (*eclampsia)
- Cerebral edema
- Cardiovascular
- Increased BP
- Decreased intravascular volume (d/t contraction of vascular space)
- Increased arteriolar resistance
- Heart failure
- Respiratory
- Pharyngeal and laryngeal edema → airway management difficult
- Potentially WORSE d/t Na/H2O retention
- Pulmonary edema
- Pharyngeal and laryngeal edema → airway management difficult
- Hepatic:
- impaired fx/elevated enzymes
- Hematomas/Ruptures
- Renal:
- Proteinuria
- Na retention
- GFR decrease
- increase serum uric acid
- Heme:
-
Coagulopathy
- Thrombocytopenia (both)
- Quantitative: number
- Qualitative: function
- Platelet dysfunction
- Prolonged PTT
- *risk of cerebral hemorrhage → so need to tx HTN
- Tx: (SBP >160) w/ labetolol, Hydralazine, nifedipine
- *risk of cerebral hemorrhage → so need to tx HTN
- Thrombocytopenia (both)
-
Coagulopathy
General managmenet of preeclampsia?
- Lots of overlap between obstetricians and anesthesia
- General Overview (4)
- Timing of delivery
- R/o regional technique d/t coagulopathy?
- Fetal and maternal surveillance
- Treatment of hypertension
- Seizure prophylaxis
- Timing of delivery
Timing of Delivery for Preeclampsia
-
Timing of delivery
-
Delivery only cure
-
> 37 weeks
- Induction of labor
- > 34 weeks with severe symptoms
-
< 34 weeks
- Expectant management
- Delay delivery for 24 – 48 hours
- Administer steroids to facilitate fetal lung function
- Ex: betamethasone- mature fetal lungs
- Should be undertaken at facilities with neonatal and maternal intensive care resources
-
> 37 weeks
-
Delivery only cure
What does surveillance of Preeclampsia involve?
*Preop testing for patient with preeclampsia*
- Ex: renal, liver
- Laboratory
- CBC
- PLT count (most important)
- > 100,000
- < 100,000 – additional tests
- PT/PTT/INR
- Chemistry
- Urine protein/creatinine
- LFTs
- Uric acid testing – conflicting evidence
- CBC
What are some guidelines for treatment of HTN in preeclampsia?
1st line and 2nd line therapies?
-
Control BP- important
-
Considerations:
- Rapid maternal perfusion pressure changes can adversely affect uteroplacental perfusion pressure
- → uteroplacental perfusion pressure form arteries are already maximally dilated
- *If drop BP rapidly → negatively affect perfusion to placenta
- Rapid maternal perfusion pressure changes can adversely affect uteroplacental perfusion pressure
-
Considerations:
-
Targets:
- 15 – 25% reduction BP
- Initial BP > 160 (labetalol, Hydralazine, nifedipine)
- Systolic: 120 – 160 mmHg
- Diastolic: 80 – 105 mmHg
- 15 – 25% reduction BP
- 1st line agents:
-
Labetalol
- Crosses placenta but does NOT cause fetal bradycardia
- B:A of 7:1
-
Dose:
- 1st: 20 mg IV
-
2nd: 40 mg q10min
- Max: 220 mg
-
Hydralazine
- MOA: Potent direct vasodilator
- decreases MAP and SVR
- increasing HR and CO
-
Dose: 5 mg IV q20 minutes
- Max: 20 mg
- MOA: Potent direct vasodilator
-
Labetalol
- 2nd Line Agents:
-
Nifedipine
-
Dose: 10 mg PO q20 min
- Max: 50 mg
-
Dose: 10 mg PO q20 min
-
Nicardipine
- Dose: 1– 6 mg/hr
-
CAUTION:
- Combo Ca+ blockers + Mg
- profound hypoTN
- myocardial depression
- Combo Ca+ blockers + Mg
-
Nifedipine
What meds should you use with caution in patients with preeclampsia?
- Methergine- any form of HTN in peripartum period
- Lead to HTN crisis
- Sensitive to exogenous and endogenous catecholamines (adrenergic agents)
- Magnesium- utilized for preeclampsia
- Leads to uterine atony → increased PP bleeding
Seizure prophylaxis in preeclampsia?
Side effects?
-
Magnesium Sulfate
- Bolus: 4 – 6 grams over 10 - 30 minutes
- Maintenance of 1 -2 gm’s/hour
- Continued for 24 hours following delivery
-
Maternal Side-effects:
- flushing, HA, dizziness
- skeletal muscle weakness, decreased deep tendon reflex
- respiratory depression
- hypotension
- pulmonary edema
- uterine atony (pp) → increase bleeding risk
-
Fetal side effects:
- neonatal hypotonia
- respiratory depression
What is normal serum magenisum?
Therapeutic level for preeclampsia?
When are EKG changes seen?
Loss of DTR with Mg level?
Respiratory arrest?
Cardiac arrest?
Treatment for mg toxicity?
- Normal: 1.7 – 2.4 mg/dl
- Therapeutic: 5 – 9 mg/dl (prevent szs)
- EKG changes: 6 – 12 mg/dl
- Loss of DTR: 11 – 12 mg/dl
- Respiratory arrest: 15 – 20 mg/dl
- Cardiac arrest: > 25 mg/dl
-
Treatment- Mag toxicity
- Calcium gluconate: 1 gm over 10 minutes
- Calcium chloride: 300 mg over 10 minutes
- Ex: stop mag → admin Ca → monitor for EKG changes
Labor pain managment and considerations for preeclamptic patient (not c/s)
-
Labor Management – neuraxial (CLE or CSE)
- Preferred method of pain control
- Recommendation → EARLY placement
- Ex: analgesia → dec level catecholamines/stress hormones circulating → increase uterine BF, less CV effects
- Recommendation → EARLY placement
-
Advantages:
- Provision of high quality analgesia
- Decreased levels of catecholamines and stress hormones
- Conversion of analgesia to anesthesia - avoids general anesthesia
- Increase uterine blood flow
- Preferred method of pain control
-
Considerations:
- Coagulation status (Plt**)
- > 100,000 = traditional level
- > 80,000 = currently acceptable w/o other risk factors
- < 50,000 = unacceptable risk
-
50,000 – 80,000
- risk vs benefits of regional vs. general anesthesia
- Platelet count trends over last 24 – 48 hours
- If platelet count is decreasing – may want to place epidural catheter early
- Coexisting coagulopathies
- Evaluate
- Coagulation studies
- LFTs
- TEG and platelet function analysis
- Evaluate
-
Platelet count < 100,000 mm3
- Chestnut Recommendations:
- Most skilled provider
- Single shot technique
- Use of a flexible, wire-embedded epidural catheter
* Less trauma
- Use of a flexible, wire-embedded epidural catheter
- Monitor S/S of neurological complication (ex: epidural hematoma)
- Check plt count before removal
* NEED: > 75 – 80,000 BEFORE REMOVING
- Check plt count before removal
- Imaging studies should be obtained immediately if question to neuro fx
* CT
* MRI
- Imaging studies should be obtained immediately if question to neuro fx
- Chestnut Recommendations:
- Intravascular volume status
- Contracted intravascular space → need volume prior to placement
- BUT restrictive management- 250 ml bolus good
- Contracted intravascular space → need volume prior to placement
- HypoTN tx
- tx promply
- Vasopressor use
- Exaggerated response to endo/exogenous catecholamines (in preeclamptic pts)- careful titration
- Small doses!!
- Ephedrine (5 – 10 mg)
- Phenylephrine (25 – 50 mcg)
- Small doses!!
- Exaggerated response to endo/exogenous catecholamines (in preeclamptic pts)- careful titration
- Coagulation status (Plt**)
Preanesthetic considerations for preeclamptic patient undergoing elective c-section
- ALWAYS do AW evaluation - generalized edema, DAW
same neuraxial considerations:
-
Coagulation status (Plt**)
- > 100,000 = traditional level
- > 80,000 = currently acceptable w/o other risk factors
- < 50,000 = unacceptable risk
- 50,000 – 80,000
- risk vs benefits of regional vs. general anesthesia
- Platelet count trends over last 24 – 48 hours
- If platelet count is decreasing – may want to place epidural catheter early
-
If Coexisting coagulopathies (evaluate)
- Coagulation studies
- LFTs
- TEG and platelet function analysis
- Platelet count < 100,000 mm3
Chestnut Recommendations:- Most skilled provider
- Single shot technique
- Use of a flexible, wire-embedded epidural catheter
* Less trauma
- Use of a flexible, wire-embedded epidural catheter
- Monitor S/S of neurological complication (ex: epidural hematoma)
- Check plt count before removal
* NEED: > 75 – 80,000 BEFORE REMOVING
- Check plt count before removal
- Imaging studies should be obtained immediately if question to neuro fx
* CT
* MRI
- Imaging studies should be obtained immediately if question to neuro fx
-
Intravascular volume status
- Contracted intravascular space → need volume prior to placement
- BUT restrictive management- 250 ml bolus good
- Contracted intravascular space → need volume prior to placement
- HypoTN tx
-
Vasopressor use
- Exaggerated response to endo/exogenous catecholamines (in preeclamptic pts)- careful titration
-
Small doses!!
- Ephedrine (5 – 10 mg)
- Phenylephrine (25 – 50 mcg)
C-section with general anesthesia considerations for preeclamptic patient
-
Airway
- Generalized edema → DAW
- Increased vascularity of Nasopharynx
- Tissue swollen/friable → tendency to bleed
-
Hemodynamic Monitoring
- Noninvasive blood
- Mild and uncomplicated severe
- A-line- for sick/uncontrolled HTN
- Need for frequent ABG measurement
- Continuous monitoring during induction/emergence in poorly controlled hypertension
- Calculated systolic pressure variation
- Central- severe
- Careful considerations and placement
- TEE- severe
- Noninvasive blood
- Useful technique for assessing cardiopulmonary status
- AW swollen/vascular as is → CAREFUL w/ probe
-
Hypertensive response to laryngoscopy
- *Laryngoscopy most sympathetic response!
- < 160/110 before induction and extubation
- Maintain:
- 140 - 160/90-100 throughout
- Tx: HTN
- Labetalol
- Remifentanil (0.5 mcg/kg)
- Good drug: esterases fetus already mature → able to metabolize at same rate as mom
- Maintain:
General Anesthesia c-section plan for patient with preeclampsia
-
General Anesthesia
- Airway considerations
- Edema
-
Hypertensive response to laryngoscopy
- *Laryngoscopy most sympathetic response!
- < 160/110 before induction and extubation
- Maintain:
- 140 - 160/90-100 throughout
- Tx: HTN
- Labetalol
- Remifentanil (0.5 mcg/kg)
- Good drug: esterases fetus already mature → able to metabolize at same rate as mom
- Airway considerations
-
Muscle relaxants
- Continue muscle relaxants throughout surgery
- Considerations:
- Very small doses
- Monitor with nerve stimulator
- Esp w/ Mag admin → decrease muscle tone/delay NMF
- NM & Mag
- Steriodal: DOA and potency increased
- Ex: rocuronium, vecuronium, and mivacurium
- Succinulcholine: DOA NOT affected by magnesium
- Steriodal: DOA and potency increased
- Reversal agents – including sugammadex is acceptable
- (Chestnut Chapter 35; Box 35.5)
1. Place radial arterial line if BP severe
2. Verify difficult airway equipment & smaller sized tubes available (6.0, 6.5)
3. Administration of H2 blocker or reglan 30 – 60 minutes before
4. Sodium citrate 30 ml’s prior to induction
5. De-nitrogenate
6. Labetalol 10 mg iv boluses to get BP to <160/110
7. Monitor FHR- s/s fetal distress
8. Consider remifentanil 0.5 mcg/kg or other adjuncts to help blunt
9. RSI with Propofol/succinylcholine or etomidate/succinylcholine
10. Maintain with ½ MAC volatile and 50% N2O - After delivery →
- Decrease VA
- Admin:
- Benzo- Versed
- Opioid
- Propofol
- Small doses of opioids and avoid muscle relaxants if possible (bc Mag)
- Reverse muscle relaxants and administer more labetalol/hydralazine to prevent hypertension on extubation
What are some risk factors for eclampsia?
s/s eclampsia?
- Life threatening emergency
- Most often occurs 2nd half of pregnancy
- > 20 wks gestation
-
Risk factors:
- young maternal age
- nulliparity
- multiple gestation
- pre-existing HTN
- preeclampsia
- 80% develop premonitory signs:
- Headache
- visual disturbances
- photophobia
- altered mental status
- epigastric pain
- Seizure
- Abrupt onset of facial twitching → then tonic phase → followed by clonic phase (often with apnea)
- ~ lasts about 1 minute
- Abrupt onset of facial twitching → then tonic phase → followed by clonic phase (often with apnea)
Complications of eclampsia
- Aspiration
- cerebral hemorrhage
- kidney failure
- cardiac arrest
- placental abruption
- extreme prematurity
Treatment of eclampsia
- Stop the convulsions
- Benzodiazepine
- Propofol
- Magnesium
- Establish an airway
- Turn patient to left side
- Administer 100% oxygen
- Apply VS monitors - frequent assessment
- Check BP frequently – control hypertension (DBP < 110 mmHg)
- Labetolol
- Hydralazine
- Nifedipine
- Ensure adequate IV access
- Ensure adequate ventilation/oxygenation
- Maintain circulation
- Deliver the baby expeditiously
Describe anesthetic plan for cesarean delivery for patient with eclampsia (stable vs unstable)
- Stable
- Epidural and spinal acceptable
-
Unstable
- GA preferred
- Techniques for patients with increased intracranial pressure
- Propofol- positive effects on cerebral BF
- Maintain cerebral perfusion pressure
- MAP – ICP (MAP up, ICP down)
-
Avoid anything decreasing CPP
- Hypoxemia
- Hypoventilation
- hyperglycemia
- Persistent neurological evaluations
Describe HELLP syndrome and the pathophysiological processes involved
- Defined:
- Hemolysis
- Elevated levels of liver enzyme
-
Low platelets
- Maybe a variant of severe preeclampsia
- Associated with: DIC, abruption, pulmonary edema, acute renal failure, liver failure, sepsis, & death
- 70% deliver pre-term
-
Hemolysis
- Microangiopathic hemolytic anemia
- Abnormal peripheral blood smear
- Schistocytes
- burr cells
- echinocytes
- Bilirubin > 1.2 mg/dl
-
Elevated Liver Enzymes
- AST > 70 IU/L
- LDH > 600 IU/L
-
Low Platelets
- < 100,000
-
Platelet transfusion
- < 20,000 or significant bleeding in all paturients
- < 40,00 scheduled for cesarean section
- Rupture of subcapsular hematoma of liver (possibility)
- Life threatening complication of HELLP syndrome
- S/S:
- abdominal pain
- N/V
- Headache
- enlarged liver
- hypotension
- Dx - Ultrasound or CT scan
- Tx – emergency surgery
- volume resuscitation
- coagulation management
What are some reasons why pregnancy has increased bleeding and clotting risk?
- Thrombocytopenia- 10% pregnancies
- Etologies:
- > 20 wks → sign of HELLP
- Typically benign → Gestational Thrombocytopenia
- Plts
- Normal: Plts # decrease 10%
- Threshold
- ~100,000 safe (varies)
- 70-100,000
- NO < 50,000
- Coexisting bleeding disorders → increased risk
- Ex: VWF Deficiency → risk of peripartum hemorrhage
- Increased risk of clotting
- DVT/PE → d/t hormone changes
- Preexisting factor 5 leiden, Protein S/C/AT/Antiphospholipid deficiencies → increase risk clotting
- Tx: anticoag therapy → impacts delivery plan
- Preexisting factor 5 leiden, Protein S/C/AT/Antiphospholipid deficiencies → increase risk clotting
- DVT/PE → d/t hormone changes
Describe the pathology of placenta previa, classification types, risk factors, diagnosis, tx
- Present if placenta implants in advance of presenting part of fetus
- (placenta partially or totally covers cervix)
- Dx: (Miller)
- Placenta low in uterus
- in front of presenting fetus
- Either covering or encroaching on cervical os
- Classifications:
-
Marginal
- Lies close to, but does not cover the cervical os
-
Partial
- Partially covers the cervical os
-
Complete
- Placenta completely covers cervical os
-
Marginal
- Considerations:
- *Can impair uterine contractions –> risk for high blood loss
- Risk factors
- Previous cesarean section (prior scar tissue)
- Prior placental previa
- Multiparity
- advanced maternal age
- assisted pregnancy
- smoking
- Diagnosis:
- Painless vaginal bleeding during the 2nd or 3rd semester
- Self-limited
- Transvaginal ultrasound
- Digital or speculum exam requires “double set-up”
- Painless vaginal bleeding during the 2nd or 3rd semester
- OB Management
- Bed rest
- Between 24 and 34 weeks – betamethasone
- → accelerate fetal lung maturity/surfactant development
- C-Section delivery
Preop considerations for management of placenta previa?
- All patients admitted with vaginal bleeding should be evaluated by anesthesia on arrival to the labor deck
- Increased risk for intraoperative BL
- Placenta maybe injured during incision
- Lower uterine segment may not contract as well
- Increased risk for placenta accreta
- Prepare for massive BL
- T&C
- 2 large bore IV’s
- fluid warmer
- blood tubing
- rapid infuser
- invasive monitoring equipment (a-line)
- Prepare for massive BL
Intraoperative managment of placenta previa
- Choice of anesthetic technique depends on:
- urgency of delivery
- maternal vital signs
- pregnancy history
- Without active bleeding & normal vital signs
- Epidural or CSE acceptable (one RCT showed epidural superior to GA)
- Active bleeding or altered vital signs (d/t prolonged bleeding)
- RSI- CV instability
- Induction agent based on hemodynamic status
- Low dose Propofol or etomidate & ketamine all have been used
- Maintenance
- Depends on hemodynamic status
- Benzodiazepine/ketamine vs nitrous/volatile
- Bleeding management (Uterotonics)
- Oxytocin
- Hemabate
- Methergine
- D/C VA if bleeding continues
- → Increase N2O [] + midaz or low dose Propofol/ketamine infusion
- Activate massive transfusion protocol
What is placenta abruption? s/s?
- Defined:
- Complete or partial separation of placenta from the uterine wall (decidua basalis) > 20 wks gestation but before delivery of fetus
-
S/S:
-
Vaginal bleeding
- Significant BL trapped behind placenta (remain in uterus)
- → Coagulopathy!!
- Significant BL trapped behind placenta (remain in uterus)
- PAINFUL/tenderness w/ examination
- Coagulopathies
- hypotension
- increased uterine activity
-
Vaginal bleeding
- Fetal compromise occurs
- Loss of placental surface area
- → Oxygen tissue exchanging surfaces area reduced → fetal distress
- Non-reassuring FHR
- Bradycardia
- loss of variability
- → Oxygen tissue exchanging surfaces area reduced → fetal distress
- Loss of placental surface area
- Risk factors:
- advanced maternal age
- Chorioamnionitis
- PROM
- Hx of abruption
- multiparity
- preeclampsia
- hypertension
- substance abuse- cocaine *
- ETOH/tobacco use
- direct/indirect trauma *
Management of placenta abruption?
Delivery of infant and placenta
- Degree of compromise determines timing and route
- Expectant
- Vaginal
- Emergent cesarean section
-
Anesthesia Management
- Labor
- Epidural
- Cesarean delivery
- Stable – adequate volume resuscitation and normal coagulation
- Epidural, Spinal, CSE
- Severe ( >50% placenta detached) – fetal death rate approaches 50%
- Crash GA
- ketamine/etomidate and succinylcholine
- Multiple large bore IV’s – place a-line/CVP
- Volume resuscitation – 1:1:1 ratio
- Monitor for DIC
- PT/INR, PTT
- CF
- Monitor for uterine atony (uterotonics*)
- Crash GA
- Stable – adequate volume resuscitation and normal coagulation
- Labor
What is uterine rupture?
- Uterine wall defect with maternal hemorrhage and/or fetal compromise
- require emergency C-section or postpartum laparotomy(after delivery)
- Disastrous for mother and fetus
- require emergency C-section or postpartum laparotomy(after delivery)
-
Conditions associated rupture
- Obstetric:
- Prior uterine surgery
- induction of labor
- high dose oxytocin
- Trial of labor after cesarean (TOLAC)
- Scar dehiscence
- Trauma:
- OB:
- Forceps application
- internal podalic version
- excessive fundal pressure
- Non-OB: Blunt or penetrating trauma
- OB:
- Obstetric:
-
Diagnosis
- Abnormal FHR and fetal distress – most common sign
- Abdominal pain (sudden & severe), abnormal FHR, and vaginal bleeding (<9%)
- Hypotension, vaginal bleeding, change in uterine contour, and changes in contraction pattern – cessation of labor
- Breakthrough pain and need for frequent redosing of neuraxial labor
-
Obstetric Management
- Antepartum – emergent laparotomy with delivery
- Uterine repair
- Arterial ligation – may not control bleeding and delay definitive treatment
- Hysterectomy
What is placenta accreta?
Classifications?
And factors increasing risk for developing placenta accreta?
- When placenta abnormally adheres to uterus
- Types: (3)
-
Placenta accreta vera – uterine wall
- Adherence of the basal plate directly to the uterine myometrium without an intervening decidual layer
- Miller: Abnormal adherence to myometrium w. absent decidual line of separation (w/o entering decidual layer)
-
Placenta increta- uterine muscle
- When the chronic villi invade the myometrium
- Miller: Abnormal implantation and growth of placenta into myometrium
-
Placenta percreta- through
- Invasion through the myometrium into the serosa and adjacent organs
- Miller: Growth of placenta through uterine wall (myometrium) with placental implantation onto surrounding tissue (bladder, bowel, ovaries, etc)
-
Placenta accreta vera – uterine wall
-
Risks:
- Mirrors the cesarean section rate
- Previous cesarean delivery or other uterine surgery increase the risk
- # C/S deliveries → Increase risk!!
- 0 = 3%
- 1 = 11%
- 2 = 40%
- 3 = 61%
- 4 or > = 67%
What is the labor mgmt plan for patient with placenta accreta syndrome?
- Plan:
- Planned preterm c/s and hysterectomy with placenta left in situ
- → removing likely to initiate massive hemorrhage
- Goal: Gestation > 34 weeks
- Most often at institutions that manage complex OB patients
- Planned preterm c/s and hysterectomy with placenta left in situ
- However must be prepared for emergency delivery and hysterectomy at any institution the care for parturients
- Crash GA
- RSI
- Blood loss can be massive
- Prepare for massive transfusion- T&C
- Efforts to stop bleeding:
- Internal iliac artery balloon catheters
- resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of aorta
- Crash GA
What is retained placenta?
Conesequence?
Anesthesia interventions?
- Placenta that has not undergone expulsion w/in 30 min of birth
- whole placenta
- placenta parts
- Consequences: post-partum hemorrhage
- Therapy:
- Epidural = top up +/- conscious sedation
- Intravenous = nitroglycerine 1 mcg/kg
- May also try sublingual spray 400 mcg
- GA with high dose volatiles
- All the risks that go with general anesthesia
What is uterine inversion? Risk factors? S/S?
- The uterus inverts through the cervix into the vagina
- Rare – 1: 2,000 – 10,000 deliveries
- Risk factors:
- Pulling on the umbilical cord
- uterine atony
- placenta previa
- connective tissue disorders
- S/S:
- postpartum hemorrhage
- hypotension
- *Bradycardia – traction on uterine ligament
-
Tx: Immediate uterine relaxation followed by uterine contraction
- Nitroglycerine
- 50 – 200 mcg IV
- 400 mcg sublingual
- GETA with high dose VA
- Monitor fluid volume status
-
Uterine contraction
- Oxytocin
- Hemabate
- methergine
-
Uterine contraction
- Nitroglycerine
What is normal blood loss during vaginal delivery? c section?
What defines post partum hemorrhage?
- Normal Blood Loss
- Vaginal delivery = 500 ml
- Cesarean section = 800 – 1000 ml’s
- Well tolerated d/t physiological increase plasma volume (compensates)
- Post-partum hemorrhage
- American College of Obstetrician and Gynecologists
- > 1,000 ml’s
- Signs and symptoms of hypovolemia
- Within 24 hours of birth
- US rate = 3%
- Most common cause of maternal mortality world wide
- American College of Obstetrician and Gynecologists
What is the most common cause of postpartum hemorrhage and risk factors associated?
- Most common cause of severe post-partum hemorrhage
- 80% of cases
- Patho:
- Uterine atony results from inability of uterus to contract and constrict uterine vessels
-
Risk factors: (Chestnut- box 37.3)
- OB:
- Multiple gestation
- Polyhydramnios
- high parity
- prolonged labor
- choriamnionitis
- induced/augmented labor
- c-section
- Maternal:
- advanced maternal age
- hypertension
- diabetes
- Other:
- tocolytic drugs – slows down labor
- ex: Magnesium
- high VA []
- tocolytic drugs – slows down labor
- OB:
Explain the drugs that are administered to treat/prevent uterine atony? MOA, Dose, SE
Other therapies to combat uterine atony?
-
Oxytocin (Pitocin)
- First line drug therapy for uterine atony prophylaxis
- MOA: increasing Ca [] inside muscle cells that control contraction of uterus. Increased Ca increases contraction of uterus
- Synthetic preparation of oxytocin w/ 6 minute half life
- Rapidly metabolized by the liver and cleared in the urine and bile
-
Dosage:
-
20 units/L crystalloid @ 200 – 500 ml/hour – (uncomplicated c/s)
- can double if ineffective 40 Units
- Some newer protocols:
- Ex: 3 unit boluses of oxytocin, rest on infusion pump
- 3 units bolus (slow)
- 3 doses total
- 3 units/hr
- Ex: 3 unit boluses of oxytocin, rest on infusion pump
-
20 units/L crystalloid @ 200 – 500 ml/hour – (uncomplicated c/s)
-
Side Effects:
- Vasodilation
- Hypotension
- Tachycardia
- coronary vasoconstriction (don’t push large doses)
- hyponatremia (with large dosages)
Uterine Atony Treatment ***
-
Ergot alkaloids
- Methylergonovine or ergonovine (methergine)
- Dose: 0.2 mg IM Q 30 minutes x’s 1
- Relative contraindications:
- Hypertensive
- CAD
- preeclampsia
- Side effects: Nausea/vomiting, increased blood pressure, chest pain, blurred vision and headache, seizure,
- Methylergonovine or ergonovine (methergine)
-
Prostaglandins
- 15-Methylprostaglandin (carboprost) – Hemabate
- Dose: 0.25 mg Q 15 min to 2 mg
- Relative contraindications:
- Reactive airway disease (asthma)
- pulmonary hypertension
- hypoxemia
- Side effects: Bronchoconstriction, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea,
- Misoprostol
- Dose: 600 – 1000 mcg PR
- Relative contraindications: None
- 15-Methylprostaglandin (carboprost) – Hemabate
- Side effects: fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, & diarrhea
- Others
- Manual message
- Intrauterine balloon tamponade
- Uterine compression sutures
- Embolization of arteries supplying the uterus
- Cesarean hysterectomy
Describe the different stages of uterine atony and the treatment associated with each stage.
-
Stage 1
- BL:
- > 500 ml vaginal
- > 1000 ml cesarean
- VS: Normal
- Labs: Normal
- Place 100% oxygen
- Start large bore IV
- increase IV fluids
- T/C 2 units
- BL:
-
Stage 2
- BL:
- > 1500 ml’s or
- > 2 uterotonics
- VS: Normal
- Labs: Normal
- Call for help
- Start 2nd large bore IV
- Draw stat labs (CBC, coags, fibrinogen)
- Obtain 2 units RBC’s and FFP (1:1) → anticipate OR if not there already
- Type specific better than O-negative
- Provide analgesia
- Prepare OR
- BL:
-
Stage 3
- BL:
- > 1500 ml’s EBL
- > 2 units PRBC’s admin
- VS/labs: abnormal
-
oliguria
- Move to OR – mobilize additional resources
- Initiate massive transfusion protocol
- Fixed ratio transfusion (1:1:1)
- Add cryoprecipitate, TXA, and calcium
-
TXA: crosses placenta
- Recommendation: wait until cord clamped to admin
- Cell salvage- possible
-
TXA: crosses placenta
-
oliguria
- Factor VIIa - not recommended for routine use
- Admin per TEG studies
- BL:
- Stage 4
- Cardiovascular collapse
-
Goals of Massive Transfusion
- Lactate- Decrease
- Base excess- Normalize
- Hemoglobin: > 7 g/dl
- Platelets: > 50,000/mm3
- Fibrinogen: > 200 mg/dl
- INR: < 1.5 times normal
-
Goals of Massive Transfusion
What are the goals of massive transfusion in obstetrics
-
Goals of Massive Transfusion
- Lactate- Decrease
- Base excess- Normalize
- Hemoglobin: > 7 g/dl
- Platelets: > 50,000/mm3
- Fibrinogen: > 200 mg/dl
- INR: < 1.5 times normal
What are physiological changes seen in patients with multiple gestations?
- Physiological changes
- Accelerate and exaggerate physiological changes of pregnancy
- Increased uterine size
-
Pulmonary
- Reduced TLC and FRC
- Aspiration risk - Increased
- Tracheal intubation (Difficult)- Increased
-
CV
- Additional 750 ml plasma volume increase
- 20% greater increase in CO
- SV 15%
- HR 3%
- Greater aortocaval compression
Anesthetic management for labor and vaginal delivery of twins
- Labor & Vaginal Delivery
- Epidural – great flexibility and optimal analgesia
- Low threshold to replace equivocal epidural
- Move to OR for delivery
- Establish 2nd large bore IV → increased risk for uterine atony and bleeding
- Be ready to convert epidural from analgesia to anesthesia- supplement
- In case of uterine inversion:
- Nitroglycerin
- 400 mcg sublingual or
- 150 – 250 mcg IV
- Nitroglycerin
- Epidural – great flexibility and optimal analgesia
- Vaginal Twin A/Operative Twin B
- Epidural = same as above
- May require rapid conversion to general anesthesia with high concentration of volatile anesthetic
- Planned Cesarean Delivery
- Spinal vs CSE
- Mean umbilical venous/arterial lidocaine [] were 35 – 53% higher in twin newborns compared to singletons (increased sensitivity to LA)
- Increased plasma volume combined with a decreased plasma protein volume
- Clinical relevance of these findings remain unclear (Chestnut – Chapter 34)
Describe pharmacological treatments to prevent/treat preterm labor.
- Regular contractions occurring b/t 20 – 37 wks gestationResult: dilation or effacement of cervix
- Survivability depends on:
- gestational age
- maturity of organ systems
- weight
- Treatments:
- Corticosteriods- accelerate fetal lung development
-
Tocolytic agents (2)
-
1. Magnesium- Ca antagonist = relaxes smooth muscle by turning off myosin light-chain kinase in vasculature, AW, uterus
- Bolus: 4 – 6 grams over 10 - 30 minutes
- Maintenance of 1 -2 gm’s/hour
- Continued for 24 hours following delivery
-
Maternal Side-effects:
- CNS depression
- skeletal muscle weakness, decreased deep tendon reflex
- respiratory depression
- hypotension
- pulmonary edema
- uterine atony (pp) → increase bleeding risk
-
Fetal side effects:
- neonatal hypotonia
- respiratory depression
-
2. Calcium channel blockers
- Inhibit influx of calcium- inhibit Ca release from SR
- Nifedipine PO
- SE: Hypotension, flushing, dizziness, nausea
- Inhibit influx of calcium- inhibit Ca release from SR
-
1. Magnesium- Ca antagonist = relaxes smooth muscle by turning off myosin light-chain kinase in vasculature, AW, uterus
-
Cyclooxygenase inhibitors (indomethacin)
- Blocks arachidonic conversion
- Maternal SE: N/V
- Fetal SE:
- constriction of ductus arteriosus
- pulmonary HTN
- renal dysfunction
- intraventricular hemorrhage
Maternal SE: Nausea/vomiting
- Fetal SE:
- Maternal SE: N/V
-
Beta-2 agonists (Terbutaline)
- Smooth muscle relaxation (increase CAMP – activates protein kinase – inactivating myosin light chain kinase – decreasing contraction)
- SE: Tachycardia, cerebral vasospasm, chest pain, arrhythmias, palpitations, hyperglycemia, hypokalemia, pulmonary edema
- Fetal SE: tachycardia, hypoglycemia, hypocalcemia & hypotension
- Smooth muscle relaxation (increase CAMP – activates protein kinase – inactivating myosin light chain kinase – decreasing contraction)
- Delivery
Describe pathological process of amniotic fluid embolism
- Appears to be a systemic inflammatory response associated with inappropriate release of endogenous inflammatory mediators and platelet activation
- Exact trigger is unknown
- A rare pathologic fetal antigen
- Usual antigen presented in an unusual way – amount, timing, or frequency of entry into circulation
- Fetal cells, lanugo hair, and mucin into the maternal pelvic vasculature is a common event
- However, pulmonary artery aspirates of patients without AFE have shown fetal material in it
- Systemic inflammatory response:
- arachidonic acid metabolites like thromboxane, prostaglandins, leukotrienes, and endothelins.
- Fetal squamous cells release tissue factor which activates platelets to release thromboxane and serotonin
- –> Sudden onset of cardiovascular arrest or both hypotension and respiratory arrest
Describe risk factors and s/s of an amniotic fluid embolism
US Amniotic Fluid Embolism Registry Entry Criteria
- Acute Hypotension or cardiac arrest
- Acute hypoxia (dyspnea, cyanosis, or respiratory arrest)
- Onset during labor, cesarean delivery, dilation & evacuation, or within 30 minutes post partum
- Absence of an alternative explanation of the observed signs and symptoms
Risk factors
- Older age
- Abnormal placenta
- Placental abruption
- Eclampsia
- Multiple gestation
- Induction of labor
- Operative delivery
S/S:
- Prior to delivery:
- Seizure, LOC, and profound dyspnea (maternal symptoms BEFORE fetal decels)
- At Delivery:
- Acute CV collapse
- Pulmonary HTN
- RV dilation
- decreased CO
- profound V/Q mismatch
- ABG’s 30 minutes on 100% FiO2 = < 30 mmHg
- Cardiovascular
- Vary:
- ST segment/T wave abnormalities
- arrhythmias or asystole
- ECHO:
- RV → akinetic, progressive dilation
- RV dilation → leads
- decreased LV fx
- decreased CO
- RV dilation → leads
- RV → akinetic, progressive dilation
- Vary:
- Massive hemorrhage & DIC
- Thrombocytopenia and significant hypofibrinogenemia
Describe the treatment plan associated with an Amniotic fluid embolism
- Maintain Oxygenation
* Intubate and administer 100% oxygen
- Maintain Oxygenation
- Hemodynamic Support
* Place a-line and central line as necessary
* Administer fluids and vasopressors as necessary- Ensure left uterine displacement
* TEE to guide fluid replacement therapy
* Chest compressions as needed
- Ensure left uterine displacement
- Hemodynamic Support
- Correction of coagulation
* Activate massive transfusion protocol
* Serial laboratory assessments
* Coagulopathy support:- TXA
- recombinant Factor VIIa
- prothrombin complex concentrates
- fibrinogen concentrate
- Correction of coagulation
TREATMENT:
- A-OK regimen
-
Atropine 1 mg- anticholinergic
- Blocks vagal reflex → blocks systemic hypoTN
-
Ondansetron 8 mg- serotonin antagonist
- Blocks serotonin pathway → ultimately decrease pulm vasoconstriction
-
Ketorlac 30 mg- nonselective COX inhib
- Blocks thromboxane → blocks release of inflam mediators
*
- Blocks thromboxane → blocks release of inflam mediators
-
Atropine 1 mg- anticholinergic

S/S, patho, tx of Amniotic Fluid Embolism (miller)
- S/S:
- Pulm:
- Resp Distress
- Hypoxia
- Dyspnea
- Cough
- PHTN
- CV:
- CV collapse
- HypoTN
- DIC
- Cyanosis
- Fetal brady
- Bradycardia
- Neuro:
- Altered mental status
- Pulm:
- Patho:
- Unknown anaphylactoid rx
- Previously thought squamous cells in maternal pulm circ → but present in healthy moms pp
- Unknown anaphylactoid rx
- Tx: early recognition and aggressive resuscitation
- Oxygenation
- Hemodynamic support
- Coagulopathy correction
Fetal considerations during non-OB surgery in paturitent patient?
-
Teratogenicity
- Most structural abnormalities result from exposure during organogenesis
- 31 – 71 days after first day of last menstrual period
- Physiological derangements
- Diagnostic procedures
- Drugs
- No anesthetic agents is proven teratogenic in humans
-
Most anesthesia providers AVOID:
- Nitrous oxide (inhibits methionine synthase)
- Benzodiazepines – cleft lip/palate risk
- Most structural abnormalities result from exposure during organogenesis
Anesthetic considerations for non-OB surgery
- Preoperative
- Multi-disciplinary team available
- Good airway exam (multiple different plans)
- Pharmacological prophylaxis against acid aspiration (H2 blocker, reglan, bicitria)
- > 12 weeks
- Choice of Anesthesia
- Local
- Regional
- Neuraxial
- General – only if necessary (avoid if can)
- Monitoring
- When fetus is viable (20 -24 weeks) and technically feasible
- OB provider available for diagnosis and intervention
- Prevention of compression
- Beginning at 18 -20 weeks
- Good left uterus displacement
- When mom supine → significant hypoTN
- Anesthesia management
- De-nitrogenation
- d/t dec FRC
- RSI with cricoid pressure
- Volatile, muscle relaxants, opioids, and reversals acceptable
- No difference in maternal/fetal outcomes based on anesthetic agents
- Maintain PaCO2 in normal pregnancy range
- 28 – 32 mmHg
- Avoid hypoxemia, hypotension, acidosis and hyperventilation
- Use low pneumoperitoneum pressure and Trendelenburg position
- Avoid NSAIDS – close PDA
- De-nitrogenation
What is TOLAC?
C/I? Risk?
- Trial of Labor After Cesarean Section
- C-section rate was 32% in 2016
- Trial
- Based on c-section type (classic vs low transverse)
- 60 – 80% successful
-
Contraindications
- Multiple gestations, two previous sections, severe preeclampsia, obesity, previous stalled labor
-
Risk
- Uterine rupture
- Uterine atony
- Blood transfusions
What is chorioamnionitis? s/s? tx?
- Intra-amniotic infection
- S/S
- Maternal leukocytosis
- Maternal tachycardia
- Fetal tachycardia
- Uterine tenderness
- Foul smelling odor
- Tx
- Antibiotics
- Delivery
Considerations for patient with heart disease in pregnancy?
- Affects up to 1.6% of all pregnancies
- Leading non-obstetric cause of maternal mortality
- Optimal management begins at conception
- Consult cardiology early
- Most already know about
- Tailor anesthetic plan to exact lesion
- Consult cardiology early
- Regional anesthesia is good
- Analgesia = decrease pain and lowers catecholamine release
- Epidural = slow onset – easier to maintain hemodynamic parameters
- better choice
- Epidural = slow onset – easier to maintain hemodynamic parameters
- Carful fluid administration
- Analgesia = decrease pain and lowers catecholamine release
- Always provide supplemental oxygen
- SBE prophylaxis = consult with OB
Considerations with pregnancy with diabetes
- Occurs in about 3% of pregnancies
- Blood sugar goal: 60 -120 mg/dl
- Problems:
- placental insufficiency
- preeclampsia
- hypertension
- No evidence that one anesthetic technique is superior to another
-
Consequences:
- Maternal: DKA, HHNC, hypoglycemia, macro/microvascular disease, stiff joint syndrome, diabetic nephropathy,
- Fetal: large for gestational age (shoulder dystocia/birth trauma) and structural malformations
Pregnancy and obesity
- Higher rates of chronic hypertension, gestational diabetes, preeclampsia and UTI
- Increased risk of premature labor, low birth weight, fetal/neonatal demise
- Increased cesarean section rates, post partum hemorrhage, and hospital stays
- Good preanesthetic evaluation
- Particular to airway evaluation
- Have multiple airway adjunct available
- Establish IV access early
- Apply supplemental O2
- Establish epidural early – high failure rate
- LA → lower dose req (smaller epidural space)
- Ensure LUD
Substance abuse and pregnancy
-
Tobacco
- Most common abused substance in pregnancy = 18%
- Nicotine causes vasoconstriction and may decrease placental blood flow and oxygenation
- Associated with miscarriages, IUGR, placental previa, abruptio placentae, preterm delivery & SIDS.
-
Alcohol
- 9% of pregnant women between 15 - 44 report drinking in the past month
- Associated with liver disease, coagulopathy, cardiomyopathy, and esophageal varices
- Fetal alcohol syndrome – 33% of heavy drinkers
- Acute intoxication:
- GETA w/ RSI and aspiration prophylaxis
- May also undergo acute alcohol withdrawal during the intrapartum or postpartum period = 6 to 48 hours after cessation
- Nausea, vomiting, tachycardia, tremors, agitation, hallucinations and seizures
-
Opioids
- Multiple effects on mother and fetus
- Increased risk:
- Preeclampsia
- bleeding
- increased opioid requirements
- Increased risk:
- Continue opioids through peripartum course
- Monitor neonates for abstinence syndrome
- Multiple effects on mother and fetus
-
Cocaine
- Consequences:
- 1st trimester = congenital anomalies
- 2nd/ 3rd = premature labor, IUGR, placental insufficiency, or placental abruption
- Considerations:
- HTN Tx: Direct vasodilators (avoid CV and CNS complications)
- HypoTN tx: direct acting agents
- Ex: phenylephrine
- GA:
- may be a/w uncontrolled HTN, tachycardia, dysrhythmias
- Chronic use: a/w thrombocytopenia
- Abuse Requirement
- Chronic = decrease MAC
- Acute use = increase MAC
- Consequences:
-
Marijuana
- Frequently used = 4.7%
- Readily crosses the placenta – however, no know effects
- Preterm labor and IUGR can occur
- Long term users = increased secretions, impaired cough & potentially increased airway reactivity
-
Amphetamines
- Leads to indirect sympathetic stimulation (serotonin, norepi & dopamine)
- Vasoconstriction with labile blood pressure and tachycardia
- Both neuraxial and general anesthesia have been used
- Acute use may increase risk for urgent cesarean section under general anesthesia
- Treat like acute cocaine use
- Leads to indirect sympathetic stimulation (serotonin, norepi & dopamine)