Ritodrine-induced pulmonary oedema in labour. Successful management using epidural anaesthesia.
A case is described in which unusually high doses of intravenous ritodrine were used for 6 weeks to postpone premature labour. Treatment was complicated by tachydysrhythmias and pulmonary oedema. Epidural analgesia was used successfully for pain relief during labour and Caesarean section. The pathophysiology is discussed.
D000328:Adult; D000767:Anesthesia, Epidural; D000773:Anesthesia, Obstetrical; D002585:Cesarean Section; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007744:Obstetric Labor Complications / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000628:therapy*; D007752:Obstetric Labor, Premature / Q000517:prevention & control; D011247:Pregnancy; D011412:Propanolamines / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011654:Pulmonary Edema / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000628:therapy*; D012312:Ritodrine / Q000009:adverse effects*
D011412:Propanolamines; D012312:Ritodrine