DOES DELIVERY IMPROVE MATERNAL CONDITION IN THE RESPIRATORY-COMPROMISED GRAVIDA

Objective: To describe the effect of delivery on respiratory status an d outcome in the respiratory-compromised pregnant woman. Methods: Duri ng 1990-1994, 10 patients requiring intubation for respiratory comprom ise who delivered during ventilatory support were identified by Intern ational Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision codes. Charts were reviewed retrospectively for cardiorespiratory variables and outcome. Results: Pneumonia led to intubation in all but one case. The onset of labor was spontaneous in eight. Three were delivered by cesarean. Mec hanical ventilation was used for a median (range) of 7 (2-22) days in surviving patients. Fraction of inspired oxygen requirements decreased an average of 28% by 24 hours after delivery. Positive end-expiratory pressure requirements remained unaltered. Surviving patients remained intubated for a median (range) of 2.6 (1-19) days postpartum. Three w omen died, all after vaginal delivery (days 4-14). Conclusion: Deliver y of respiratory-compromised gravidas resulted in a 28% reduction in f raction of inspired oxygen requirement within 24 hours after delivery. Although most patients were then able to be maintained below critical fraction of inspired oxygen requirement levels (under 0.6), dramatic improvement in overall respiratory function was not observed uniformly . Given the limited benefit of delivery on maternal oxygenation, along with the inherent risks of labor induction in this critically ill pop ulation, caution should be exercised in initiating the induction proce ss electively.