Preventing maternal deaths due to ectopic pregnancy

The majority of maternal deaths due to ectopic pregnancy (EP) could be avoided if the health service renders better-quality care. There are two common clinical mistakes that lead to death from EP: (i) failure to make the diagnosis, because the attending healthcare worker does not consider this optio...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:South African medical journal 2018-12, Vol.108 (12), p.1018-1020
Main Author: Moran, N.F.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Anesthesia
Care and treatment
Case studies
Diagnosis
Ectopic pregnancy
Health aspects
Laparotomy
Maternal mortality
Medical care quality
Medical errors
Patient outcomes
Physicians
Pregnant women
Shock
Surgery
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Summary:The majority of maternal deaths due to ectopic pregnancy (EP) could be avoided if the health service renders better-quality care. There are two common clinical mistakes that lead to death from EP: (i) failure to make the diagnosis, because the attending healthcare worker does not consider this option; and (ii) failure to act urgently to stop the bleeding when there are signs of hypovolaemic shock. The only reliable way to stop the bleeding in a shocked patient with a ruptured EP is to urgently perform a laparotomy and clamp the bleeding vessels. Doctors at district hospitals must learn and maintain the skills required to provide anaesthesia for and operate on patients with a ruptured EP.
ISSN:0256-9574
2078-5135
DOI:10.7196/SAMJ.2018.v108i12.13453