CLASP Sudden Death Flashcards
(200 cards)
Define stillbirth
When a baby is born dead after 24 completed weeks of pregnancy
Define miscarriage
Loss of baby before 24 completed weeks of pregnancy
Define antepartum stillbirth and intrapartum stillbirth? What is more common?
Antepartum is loss of baby before labour
Intrapartum occurs during labour
Intrapartum is much less common
Name 8 risk factors for stillbirth?
Twin pregnancy Black or asian ethnicity Older mum Teen mum Poverty Obesity Smoking Previous stillbirth
Name 8 categories of causes of stillbirths?
Unknown Placental causes Congenital abnormalities Intrapartum Maternal infections Medical complications Prolonged pregnancy Maternal antibodies
Describe intrapartum causes of stillbirth
Placental abruption (placenta separates from the inner wall of the uterus)
maternal and/or fetal infection
Cord prolapse (cord prolapse into vagina and this can result in hypoxia)
Idiopathic hypoxic acidosis
Uterine rupture
What maternal infections may cause stillbirth?
CMV Parvo Herpes Malaria Syphilis
What medical complications may cause stillbirth?
Pre-eclampsia and eclampsia (high BP in pregnancy)
Diabetes
Obstetric cholestasis (build up of bile acids)
Why may certain maternal antibodies cause stillbirth?
If mother has certain antibodies that can cross the placenta and the baby doesn’t have antibodies then can get haemolysis in the baby
Describe 11 pieces of advice to prevent stillbirths?
sleep on your side in 3rd trimester
quit smoking/ don’t smoke
stay a healthy weight
avoid alcohol and drugs
attend antenatal appointment
seek advice if have any discharge, bleeding or pain
get the flu vaccine
report itching (sign of obstetric cholestasis)
start taking folic acid before conception
take vitamin D during pregnancy
seek urgent help if reduction in baby movement
People have reported that they felt their baby move ____ before stillbirth
less
Describe management of a patient just diagnosed with stillbirth?
Need to assess maternal wellbeing e.g. exclude pre-eclampsia, chorioamnionitis, placental abruption, sepsis, DIC
if woman is rhesus D neg then need kleihauer test done to check for feto maternal haemorrhage and if found need anti-RHD gammaglobulin administered.
In stillbirth what conditions merit immediate steps towards delivery?
sepsis, pre-eclampsia, placental abruption or membrane rupture
What mode of delivery is recommended in most stillbirth cases?
Vaginal
Can women delay labour if stillbirth?
yes if they are well they can delay for a short period however need to understand there is a risk of complications if long delay and PM value may be reduced and baby appearance will deteriorate
If a woman decides to return home before delivery after stillbirth what should they receive?
A 24 hr contact no
Who’s choice is it to have a PM after a stillbirth?
Parent choice
What important things may a stillbirth PM reveal?
Conditions that may effect other family members or future pregnancies
What two mental health conditions are women who have had a stillbirth more at risk of?
Depression (4 x)
PTSD (7 x)
In future pregnancy after a stillbirth women are likely to have _____ delivery by _____
early by IOL
Name 12 scenarios when post mortems are legally required?
Responsible clinician unable to certify death (most likely) Procurator Fiscal request Sudden and unexpected death Death due to negligence Suspected suicide or homicide Death due to drugs Death in custody Death at work Death due to medical or dental care Death of a child SUDI Death due to an industrial or notifiable disease Death due to an accident
What is the WHO definition of sudden death?
Death within 24hrs from onset of symptoms
What are the 4Hs and 4Ts of reversible causes of cardiac arrest?
Hypoxia, hypovolaemia, hyper/hypokalaemia/metabolic, hypothermia
Thrombosis, toxins, tamponade, tension pneumothorax
What may be some post mortem findings of hypothermia?
Patches on elbows, knees and hips Wischnewski ulcers (gastric mucosal ulcers)