Inadequate perinatal asthma control resulting in status asthmaticus requiring ECMO

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Pulmonology
• Critical Care Medicine

Background:

• Severe asthma during pregnancy presents unique management challenges.
• Status asthmaticus in pregnancy is a rare but life-threatening condition.
• Poorly controlled asthma increases risks for both mother and fetus.

Purpose of the Study:

• To document a case of severe asthma in pregnancy complicated by status asthmaticus.
• To describe the management of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) in a pregnant patient.
• To highlight the association between maternal asthma severity and fetal growth restriction.

Main Methods:

• Case report detailing the clinical course of a pregnant patient with severe asthma.
• Description of intensive care management, including mechanical ventilation and ECMO.
• Documentation of interventions for status asthmaticus and fetal monitoring.

Main Results:

• The patient developed status asthmaticus requiring ECMO support.
• Severe intrauterine growth restriction necessitated early delivery.
• Successful management involved a multidisciplinary critical care team.

Conclusions:

• Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation can be a viable option for severe respiratory failure in pregnancy.
• Close monitoring and prompt intervention are crucial for managing status asthmaticus in pregnant patients.
• Poorly controlled maternal asthma is a significant risk factor for adverse fetal outcomes such as intrauterine growth restriction.