Caesarean section in patients with heart-lung transplants: a report of three cases and review

• Published in: International journal of obstetric anesthesia Vol. 9; no. 2; pp. 125 - 132
• Main Authors: Rigg, C.D., Bythell, V.E., Bryson, M.R., Halshaw, J., Davidson, J.M.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Netherlands Elsevier Ltd 01.04.2000
• ISSN: 0959-289X; 1532-3374
• DOI: 10.1054/ijoa.1999.0363

There are increasing numbers of combined heart-lung transplants being carried out in young people for end-stage pulmonary disease. There have-to-date been few reports of pregnancy in heart-lung transplant recipients. We report on the successful outcome of three pregnancies involving two patients following heart-lung transplantation. The importance of an interdisciplinary approach to the care of such patients throughout pregnancy is clear. The deliveries were carried out by caesarean section under regional anaesthesia and the discussion focuses on the choice of anaesthesia along with the problems these patients present to the anaesthetist. Regional anaesthesia appears to be a safe technique in these patients. However, it is important to appreciate that the response to vasoactive drugs may be unpredictable and that intravenous fluid should be administered carefully as they are at risk of fluid overload and pulmonary oedema.