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Cardiac Arrest in Pregnancy

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Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation

Part of the book series: Contemporary Cardiology ((CONCARD))

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Abstract

Cardiac arrest (CA) in pregnancy is an uncommon occurrence with an incidence of about 1 in every 30,000 deliveries (1). The causes are quite numerous, but the management is essentially the same with the exception of a few modifications regarding the fetus. In this chapter, causes of maternal mortality are reviewed along with potential interventions to decrease its incidence. A general overview of maternal and fetal physiology and how it pertains to the resuscitation of the mother will also be provided. Pharmacological agents used in the resuscitative protocol and their effects on the fetus are discussed. Finally, the issue of perimortem cesarean delivery is addressed, along with the difficult questions that must be answered within minutes of deciding who should and should not be considered for this drastic, potentially lifesaving procedure.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA

    Alison A. Rodriguez MD & Gary A. Dildy III MD

Authors
  1. Alison A. Rodriguez MD
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  2. Gary A. Dildy III MD
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Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Emergency Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University Health System, Richmond, VA

    Joseph P. Ornato MD, FACP, FACC, FACEP  & Mary Ann Peberdy MD, FACC  & 

  2. Department of Internal Medicine (Cardiology), Virginia Commonwealth University Health System, Richmond, VA

    Joseph P. Ornato MD, FACP, FACC, FACEP  & Mary Ann Peberdy MD, FACC  & 

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© 2005 Humana Press Inc., Totowa, NJ

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Rodriguez, A.A., Dildy, G.A. (2005). Cardiac Arrest in Pregnancy. In: Ornato, J.P., Peberdy, M.A. (eds) Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation. Contemporary Cardiology. Humana Press. https://doi.org/10.1385/1-59259-814-5:395

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1385/1-59259-814-5:395

  • Publisher Name: Humana Press

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-58829-283-4

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-59259-814-4

  • eBook Packages: MedicineMedicine (R0)

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