Hemodynamic inestability in obstetric patient

Abstract

The hemodynamic instability in the pregnant patient is a challenge for the treating team, due to the physiological peculiarities of her condition and the emotional impact of her care. Considering the increase in the mortality of pregnant women worldwide in developed countries due to multiple factors associated with an inadequate level of care, anesthesiologists have an essential role within this team. Early recognition and timely treatment of a pregnant or postpartum patient is required. The evaluation of the hemodynamic status only with the clinic in changing situations may be insufficient in the obstetric patient for an adequate management, especially in pathophysiological conditions and with the impact of the pharmacological action of anesthesia. Therefore, monitoring at the patient's bedside, mainly through monitoring of cardiac output (CO), myocardial response and volemia status with minimally invasive cardiac output monitors, cardiac and pulmonary ultrasound evaluation allow a management that has an impact on survival.