title: Severe acute asthma.
abstract: Asthma is common among women of reproductive age and affects between 4% and 8% of pregnant women. Pregnancy outcomes are correlated to the degree of asthma severity and control. Approximately one-third of pregnant women with asthma remain stable, a third will have improvement of their asthma, and a third will have worsening of the disease. Pregnant women with severe asthma are at markedly increased risk of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality, preeclampsia, low-birth weight infants, and preterm delivery. A severe asthma exacerbation in a pregnant woman may be clinically daunting, however immediate intervention with appropriate supplemental oxygenation, medical therapy, and intubation if necessary can be life-saving. A focus on maternal well-being and pulmonary function in a pregnant asthmatic is essential to ensure optimal outcomes for both mother and her fetus. This article will provide an overview of asthma management, particularly in the acute care setting.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Mail Stop 610, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
authors.forename: Diana Alex
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: Racusin
authors.forename: Karin Anneliese
authors.initials: KA
authors.lastname: Fox
authors.forename: Susan Marie
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Ramin
mesh_terms: D000208:Acute Disease; D018927:Anti-Asthmatic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001249:Asthma / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007230:Infant, Low Birth Weight; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008428:Maternal Mortality; D054238:Perinatal Mortality; D011225:Pre-Eclampsia; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications; D011256:Pregnancy Outcome; D047928:Premature Birth; D012307:Risk Factors
chemical_list: D018927:Anti-Asthmatic Agents
keywords: Acute exacerbation; Asthma; Management; Outcome; Pregnancy