Key result
Critical care interventions in gravid women require accommodating physiologic changes to maintain fetal oxygenation.
Provides an overview of fetal oxygenation physiology and the impact of critical care interventions on the fetus in critically ill pregnant women.
Supports physiologic adaptation and fetal monitoring in gravid critical care; leaves open prospective trials to confirm outcomes.
Fetal oxygenation is primarily determined by maternal oxygenation and uterine blood flow. Several physiologic adaptations during pregnancy support uteroplacental perfusion and, thus, fetal oxygenation. However, the physiologic changes required to sustain the metabolic demands of pregnancy may also predispose the parturient to decompensation when critical illness is superimposed upon pregnancy. In general, the critically ill gravid woman is treated similarly to the nonpregnant adult, with the exception of accomodating the physiologic changes of pregnancy and evaluating fetal well-being. An overview of the physiology of fetal oxygenation, impact of critical care interventions upon the fetus, and evaluation of the fetus is provided.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Patricia M. Witcher (2006) conducted a review in Maternal Hemodynamic Instability or Respiratory Insufficiency. Critical care interventions in gravid women require accommodating the physiologic changes of pregnancy and evaluating fetal well-being to maintain fetal oxygenation.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: