Published in:
Australian and New Zealand Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, 63 (2023) 1, Seite 74-80
Language:
English
DOI:
10.1111/ajo.13559
ISSN:
0004-8666;
1479-828X
Origination:
Footnote:
Description:
BackgroundWomen with rheumatic heart disease (RHD) can have a lower cardiac reserve to cope with pregnancy and labour, leading to increased obstetric and cardiac risks. The Northern Territory has been repeatedly reported to have the highest prevalence of RHD in Australia, yet evidence specific to pregnancy is scarce in the literature.AimsThe primary aim of this paper is to describe the baseline characteristics and maternal outcomes of pregnant women with RHD presenting to the largest obstetrics referral hospital in the Northern Territory. The secondary aim is to evaluate the current model of care in relation to their cardiac status.MethodsA retrospective observational study was conducted over a 9.5‐year period. Demographics, cardiac, obstetrics and anaesthetics data were collected for analysis.ResultsOne hundred and twenty‐nine pregnancies were included for analysis. All women were identified as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, and 85% were of a RHD priority of 2 or 3. Of all 28 patients who had an emergency caesarean section, only one patient was indicated for cardiac reasons. There was no maternal or neonatal death reported. Three preterm births were induced secondary to maternal concerns related to RHD cardiac decompensation. There were no major adverse neonatal outcomes, including neonatal death, intraventricular haemorrhage or respiratory distress syndrome. Multidisciplinary care was also evaluated.ConclusionWe observed a low rate of maternal and fetal morbidity and no mortality in a cohort of women with mild to severe RHD. These favourable outcomes have occurred in a multidisciplinary centre with significant experience in managing the medical and cultural complexities of this group.