Fetal complications after placement of an intrauterine pressure catheter: a report of two cases and review of the literature

Date

2008

Authors

Wilmink, F.
Wilms, F.
Heydanus, R.
Mol, B.
Papatsonis, D.

Editors

Advisors

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Type:

Journal article

Citation

The Journal of Maternal-Fetal and Neonatal Medicine, 2008; 21(12):880-883

Statement of Responsibility

Freke A. Wilmink, Femke F. Wilms, Roger Heydanus, Ben W. J. Mol, Dimitri N. M. Papatsonis

Conference Name

Abstract

Background. Uterine contractions during labor can be monitored by external tocodynamometry or by the use of an intrauterine pressure catheter (IUPC). Since an IUPC measures the frequency of contractions as well as their strength and duration, it is thought to be more accurate than external tocodynamometry. However, limited evidence on this subject suggests that IUPC may not improve maternal or perinatal outcomes. Moreover, the use of IUPC may cause fetal complications. Cases. We describe the placement of an IUPC during induction of labor with oxytocin in two cases, one presenting with a singleton pregnancy and the other a twin pregnancy. After introduction of the IUPC, both cases were complicated by blood loss and signs of fetal distress on cardiotocography. An emergency cesarean section was performed in both cases. In the first case, extramembranous placement of the IUPC was observed, whereas in the second case, the IUPC had lacerated an arteriovenous anastomosis in the membranes, resulting in perinatal death. Conclusion. Placement of an intrauterine pressure catheter instead of external tocodynamometry has a small risk for serious fetal complications.

School/Discipline

Dissertation Note

Provenance

Description

Access Status

Rights

© 2008 Informa Healthcare USA, Inc.

License

Grant ID

Call number

Persistent link to this record