A case report of maternal death associated with betamimetics and betamethasone administration in premature labor.
A fatal case of pulmonary edema is reported after prolonged treatment with beta-mimetics during pregnancy for threatened premature labor. The mother had received betamethasone in order to enhance fetal lung maturity. Myocardial failure occurred 5 days after discontinuation of betamimetics. The potential toxic effects of beta-adrenergic agents and their association with corticosteroids are discussed. Caution is recommended when high doses of betamimetics are to be delivered to prevent premature labor. No patient should be treated unless her cardiac condition is normal. Cardiovascular evaluation should be regularly performed during the course of treatment. No patient should be discharged after treatment without a normal cardiovascular check-up.
D000318:Adrenergic beta-Agonists / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000328:Adult; D000420:Albuterol / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001623:Betamethasone / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000139:chemically induced; D006801:Humans; D006819:Hyaline Membrane Disease / Q000517:prevention & control; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008431:Maternal-Fetal Exchange; D007752:Obstetric Labor, Premature / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011247:Pregnancy; D012312:Ritodrine / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use
D000318:Adrenergic beta-Agonists; D001623:Betamethasone; D012312:Ritodrine; D000420:Albuterol