title: Preterm labor in the quadriplegic parturient.
abstract: The occurrence of preterm labor is not uncommon in the pregnant quadriplegic. Early diagnosis is hampered by the inability of most quadriplegics to sense uterine contractions in the usual way. A patient we recently treated for preterm labor learned to recognize contractions by the associated symptoms of autonomic hyper-reflexia: flushing, headache, and piloerection. Tocolytic therapy was successful and a favorable neonatal outcome occurred. Increased awareness by the physician and the pregnant quadriplegic patient is encouraged so that symptoms of autonomic hyper-reflexia may be recognized as potentially indicative of uterine contractions.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000767:Anesthesia, Epidural; D000773:Anesthesia, Obstetrical; D001342:Autonomic Nervous System Diseases / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D007752:Obstetric Labor, Premature / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000503:physiopathology*; D011782:Quadriplegia / Q000503:physiopathology*; D012021:Reflex, Abnormal / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D012312:Ritodrine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D013726:Terbutaline / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D012312:Ritodrine; D013726:Terbutaline