Treatment of a Pregnant Patient in a Persistent Vegetative State.

Authors

Matthew P. Romagano DO, Lehigh Valley Health NetworkFollow
William E. Scorza MD, Lehigh Valley Health NetworkFollow
Stephen E. Lammers PhD, Lehigh Valley Health NetworkFollow
Carole Dorr BS, RRT, Lehigh Valley Health NetworkFollow
John C. Smulian MD, MPH, Lehigh Valley Health NetworkFollow

Publication/Presentation Date

1-1-2017

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Brain injury leading to a persistent vegetative state during pregnancy involves difficult medical and ethical decisions.

CASE: A 21-year-old multigravid woman entered a persistent vegetative state at 20 1/7 weeks of gestation after cardiac arrest with postanoxic brain injury from a suspected drug overdose. The clinical disciplines responsible for her case formed a collaborative care plan involving ventilator, nutrition, and medication support of the mother and regular fetal monitoring and ultrasound testing. A planned delivery by cesarean at term resulted in a good neonatal outcome.

CONCLUSION: There is no standardized management plan for obstetric care in a persistent vegetative state. This case illustrates a successful multidisciplinary approach that may be useful as a template in similar situations.

Volume

129

Issue

1

First Page

107

Last Page

110

ISSN

1873-233X

Published In/Presented At

Romagano, M. P., Scorza, W. E., Lammers, S. E., Dorr, C., & Smulian, J. C. (2016). Treatment of a Pregnant Patient in a Persistent Vegetative State. Obstetrics And Gynecology, 129(1), 107-110.

Disciplines

Obstetrics and Gynecology

PubMedID

27926646

Department(s)

Department of Education, Medical Education, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Faculty, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Residents, Patient Care Services / Nursing

Document Type

Article