Pulmonary hypertension and pregnancy: a series of eight cases

Abstract

This is the report of a series of eight patients with pulmonary hypertension (primary and secondary) who delivered at the

Epoprostenol treatment for idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension in pregnancy

“…2 In normal pregnancy, CO increased and systemic vascular resistance decreased, with very little change in PA pressure, pulmonary capillary wedge pressure and central venous pressure. 11,12 Endothelial dysfunction with dysregulation of vasodilation and vasoconstriction, in combination with loss of the antithrombotic and prothrombotic equilibrium, are hallmarks of PAH.…”

“…Postoperative increases in peripheral vascular resistance occur and may contribute to post-partum mortality. 21 Although there may be less alteration to hemodynamic parameters with regional anesthesia, good outcomes have been reported with both regional and general anesthesia [1][2][3][4][22][23][24] Little has been written about the effects of epoprostenol on the intrauterine environment. In our case, intensive fetal surveillance during intravenous epoprostenol therapy failed to show fetal harm.…”

“…[1][2][3] Neonatal outcomes reflect the gestational age at delivery. 1,2,4 -6 Intravenous epoprostenol improves the functional status and survival in non-pregnant patients.…”

Critical arrhythmia associated with pulmonary artery catheterization in a parturient with severe pulmonary hypertension

“…1 The use of pulmonary artery catheters (PAC) for monitoring these patients intraoperatively remains controversial, 2 and the PAC may convey no benefit compared to traditional management. 3 Significant arrhythmias can occur in 43-87% of patients during pulmonary artery catheterization.…”

“…At this stage, the stylet resembles the 60 o stylet recommended by the manufacturer ( Figure B). 2 The authors then added at least 30 o of angulation by reproducing the proximal half of the GVL blade ( Figure C). Even though the most distal part of this stylet has a 60 o angulation, the angle contained within this stylet is a 90 o angle.…”