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Cesarean section in a severely traumatized patient
1Emergency Medical Services, Medical Center of Delaware.
Massive trauma in a near-term pregnant patient challenges the emergency physician with very difficult treatment choices. We present the case of a severely traumatized pregnant female, near term, in whom the decision to proceed with a perimortem cesarean section in the Emergency Department produced a viable infant. We discuss the guidelines that are used in making such a decision and their rationale. The physiologic changes of pregnancy that may complicate maternal assessment and the effect of shock on the fetus are also discussed.
Massive trauma in a near-term pregnant patient challenges the emergency physician with very difficult treatment choices. We present the case of a severely traumatized pregnant female, near term, in whom the decision to proceed with a perimortem cesarean section in the Emergency Department produced a viable infant. We discuss the guidelines that are used in making such a decision and their rationale. The physiologic changes of pregnancy that may complicate maternal assessment and the effect of shock on the fetus are also discussed.