Visakhapatnam :

In a high-risk gynaec case, a 22-year-old asthmatic woman, suffering from several medical complexities associated with pregnancy, including severe swelling (edema), abnormally low platelet count and very high BP or severe pre-eclampsia along with HELLP syndrome, successfully gave birth to twins at a hospital in the city. HELLP syndrome is an obstetric condition marked by rupture of red blood cells, low platelet count and higher liver enzymes. B Bhagyalaxmi from Vizianagaram came to Manipal Hospital in mid-March with severe swelling all over her body and high BP of 150/100. “Blood spots were visible all over her body under her skin. She was 37 weeks pregnant with twins and on further diagnosis, her platelet count was found to be 30,000, Platelet count of less than 50,000 is considered abnormally low.She was diagnosed with very high BP and HELLP syndrome,” said Dr M Radhika, who treated her.

According to doctors, scans showed that while the head of one baby was in the down position, that of its twin was in the below the hip position, necessitating an immediate lower section caesarean as it was a high risk pregnancy with a 50% mortality rate.

“As part of precautions during surgery, Bhagyalaxmi was administered an adequate amount of platelets to prevent excessive bleeding during surgery. Her BP was controlled with adequate medication. The surgery had to be done immediately and efficiently so as to keep the mother under as minimum risk as possible. The surgery was completed in 35 minutes and healthy twins were delivered,” Dr Radhika explained, adding that after a few weeks of follow-up treatment, the mother was finally declared out of danger.

According to Dr Radhika, such an acute emergency situation can be averted if after completion of 34 weeks of pregnancy the baby’s maturity status is assessed and precautionary measures taken. “When one is carrying twins and has high BP and asthma complications, it’s important to plan an elective surgery,” she added.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of  India / Home> City> Visakhapatnam / TNN / May 09th, 2014