II. Epidemiology

  1. Cardiac Arrest Incidence: 1 in 20,000 pregnancies

IV. Technique: Resuscitation (as contrasted to non-pregnant Resuscitation)

  1. Similarities: Approach for most of the CPR and ACLS guidelines are the same as for non-pregnant patients
    1. CAB Approach (compressions first)
    2. Defibrillate unstable or pulseless
    3. Post-ROSC Hypothermia
      1. Case reports of improved outcomes post-Cardiac Arrest in Pregnancy
      2. Chauhan (2012) Ann Emerg Med 60(6): 786-9 [PubMed]
  2. Differences in the pregnant Cardiac Arrest patient
    1. Compression hand position
      1. Place hands 1-2 interspaces higher than in non-pregnant patient
    2. Elevate head of bed
      1. Allows better diaphragm excursion by decreasing upward abdominal pressure
    3. Perform CPR with patient still supine, but with Uterus deflected to side during CPR (second rescuer)
      1. Aorta and vena cava are compressed by gravid Uterus
        1. Venous return is reduced by up to 30% (especially after 20 weeks gestation)
      2. Uterine deflection replaces prior guidelines
        1. Previously recommended compressions with patient at 30 degrees left lateral decubitus position
    4. Heimlich Maneuver
      1. Chest thrusts may be used in place of abdominal thrusts if gravid Abdomen interferes with hand placement
    5. Avoid Amiodarone if at all possible
      1. Amiodarone is a Class D medication due to association with Fetal Bradycardia, IUGR, Preterm Labor
    6. Early airway management is paramount
      1. Aspiration risk
        1. Pregnancy increases aspiration risk significantly
      2. Equipment modifications
        1. Estimate a smaller sized Endotracheal Tube (6.5 to 7.0)
        2. Use a short-handled Laryngoscope (in Direct Laryngoscopy)
          1. Allows for increased Breast size in pregnancy that impacts Laryngoscope maneuverability
      3. Intubation attempt time is significantly reduced
        1. Decreased functional reserve with rapid desaturation
        2. Employ Apneic Oxygenation
        3. Most experienced intubator should intubate (first attempt success is critical)
        4. May require smaller ET Tube (secondary airway edema in pregnancy)

V. Management: Perimortem Cesarean Section

  1. See Perimortem Cesarean Section (Emergency Hysterotomy)
  2. Assemble Emergency Hysterotomy equipment and staff as part of initial code response

VI. References

  1. Mattu in Majoewsky (2013) EM:Rap 13(4):11-2
  2. (2022) ACLS Maternal Cardiac Arrest Guidelines, AHA
  3. Farinelli (2012) Cardiol Clin 30(3): 453-61 [PubMed]
  4. Murphy (2014) Am Fam Physician 90(10): 717-22 [PubMed]

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