Clinical analysis of 15 cases with pulmonary embolism during pregnancy

Objective To analyze the clinical characteristics and pregnancy outcomes of pregnancy complicating pulmonary embolism. Methods This study collected the clinical data of 15 pregnancies complicating pulmonary embolism, which were admitted into The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University from March 2010 to January 2014. The clinical data, including general condition, clinical symptoms, examinations, treatment and pregnancy outcomes were retrospectively analyzed. Results (1) Onset of disease: 1 case occurred in the first trimester of pregnancy, 6 cases in the second trimester of pregnancy, and 2 cases in the third trimester of pregnancy, and the other 6 cases in the puerperal period after caesarean section. (2) Methods of pregnancy termination: 8 cases chose cesarean section to insure newborn′s safe, 5 cases chose caesarean section due to the severity of mother′s condition, 1 case chose abortion by injecting rivanol, and the other one occurred spontaneous abortion. (3) Outcomes: 4 mothers died, 11 mothers were survival; 6 newborns were healthy term infants, 3 newborns were premature, and there were 6 stillbirths. Conclusion With increasing recognition of pregnancy complicating pulmonary embolism, we should early diagnose and treat in order to improve the pregnancy outcomes. Key words: Pregnancy, high risk; Pulmonary embolism; Pregnancy outcome