Postpartum collapse

Abstract

Abrupt deterioration in the mother’s condition may occur postpartum as a result of a broad array of conditions, many of them rare. Maternal survival depends on aggressive resuscitation, rapid precise diagnosis and the institution of disease-targeted therapy. Additionally there may be implications for any future pregnancy. A case of sudden maternal collapse postpartum is presented, the differential diagnosis is discussed, and the management plan and outcome for a subsequent pregnancy reviewed.

Case report: Maternal cardiac arrest at 12 hours postpartum

“…Several causes of postpartum cardiac arrest have been reported, such as massive postpartum hemorrhage, pulmonary embolism, peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM), magnesium toxicity, and anaphylaxis [ 3 ]. Our patient was diagnosed with preeclampsia with severe features, a condition characterized by multiorgan involvement, with the majority of clinical manifestations being derangements of the cardiovascular system, primarily systemic hypertension [ 4 ].…”