PC5 - The Acutely Deteriorating Obstetric Patient: From Early Warning Systems to Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation

Cardiopulmonary collapse is often preceded by early warning signs of acute deterioration that may potentially progress without astute recognition and timely intervention. During pregnancy and the early postpartum period, women often compensate physiologically before overtly manifesting significantly abnormal vital signs. By the time significant vital sign changes are recognized, the decline in the woman’s condition may have progressed to circulatory collapse within a short period of time. This conference provides an indepth review of early warning systems in obstetrics based upon normal physiology of pregnancy and pathophysiology of common obstetric emergencies along with strategies that promote early identification. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation with specific adaptations for pregnancy will be covered as well.