Caesarean section in a diabetic patient with a recent myocardial infarction

This is a report of a 38-yr-old parturient with multiple medical problems including diabetes mellitus, bronchial asthma, chronic myelogenous leukaemia, pre-eclampsia and a recent myocardial infarction. After medical management in the coronary care unit, it was decided to proceed with a Caesarean section. The choice of anaesthetic was made by the patient and had to be modified in accordance with her medical condition. Cardiovascular monitoring included PA catheterisation and transoesophageal echocardiography. A general anaesthetic was performed using fentanyl, thiopentone and succinylcholine. The outcome was satisfactory for both parturient and baby.