PGE1 nebulisation during caesarean section for Eisenmenger's syndrome: a case report

Shahla Siddiqui and Naveed Latif

Department of Anaesthesia, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan

author email corresponding author email

Journal of Medical Case Reports 2008, 2:149doi:10.1186/1752-1947-2-149


Published:	9 May 2008

Abstract

Introduction

Eisenmenger's syndrome in pregnancy can lead to death in 50% to 65% of parturients. Expensive invasive monitoring and medication have improved management and outcomes. Cheaper alternatives for the management of high-risk patients who present with no prenatal care are still not available.

Case presentation

We describe the obstetric anaesthesia management of a 34-year-old, 34-weeks pregnant woman who presented with a recent diagnosis of severe Eisenmenger's syndrome. A combined spinal epidural anaesthesia was used together with invasive cardiac monitoring as well as PGE1 nebulisation after delivery of the baby. This helped achieve a reduction of shunt, improvement of hypoxia and reduction of pulmonary pressures.

Conclusion

We found this to be a cheaper and safe alternative in the management of such patients who present with no adequate prior management.