Adult respiratory distress syndrome during pregnancy and immediately postpartum.
From 1976 to 1983, the adult respiratory distress syndrome occurred in 14 patients during pregnancy or within a month postpartum. There were 8 survivors, giving a 43% mortality. All but 2 patients had obstetric-related precipitating events--labor problems, infections, eclampsia-toxemia, and obstetric hemorrhages. During emergency cesarean sections, 3 patients had respiratory problems that may have caused their respiratory distress syndrome. The average duration of mechanical ventilatory support was 16 days. Six patients had barotrauma with 1 patient sustaining an irreversible anoxic central nervous system injury. Infections were documented in 8 patients, 6 of whom had obstetric foci. There is a lack of information regarding the adult respiratory distress syndrome in this patient group. Though uncommon, it can cause substantial mortality and morbidity.
Smith
J L
JL
Division of Critical Care Medicine, LDS Hospital, Salt Lake City, UT 84143.
Thomas
F
F
Orme
J F
JF
Clemmer
T P
TP
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000401:mortality; D011644:Puerperal Disorders / Q000209:etiology* / Q000401:mortality; D012128:Respiratory Distress Syndrome / Q000209:etiology* / Q000401:mortality; D012189:Retrospective Studies