Preterm labor in the quadriplegic parturient.
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.
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
D012312:Ritodrine; D013726:Terbutaline