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Saving Mothers' Lives: - Public Health Agency for Northern Ireland

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96<br />

6 Early pregnancy deaths<br />

receive thromboprophylaxis. Autopsy showed fl uid in body cavities and patchy infarction throughout the<br />

body, including bowel. Women admitted to hospital with severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome should<br />

receive thromboprophylaxis. 2<br />

Box 6.1<br />

Learning points: early pregnancy deaths<br />

Clinicians in primary care and Emergency Departments, in particular, need to be aware of atypical<br />

clinical presentations of ectopic pregnancy and especially of the way in which it may mimic<br />

gastrointestinal disease. This needs to be taught to undergraduate medical and nursing students and<br />

highlighted in textbooks.<br />

Fainting in early pregnancy suggests the possibility of ectopic pregnancy.<br />

More conservative approaches to the treatment of ectopic pregnancy should not blind clinicians to the<br />

dangers of this condition. Laparoscopy or laparotomy should be undertaken without delay if there are<br />

clinical signs suggestive of tubal rupture. Medical treatment of ectopic pregnancy should be based on strict<br />

adherence to protocols, with women having immediate access to in-patient facilities if complications occur.<br />

Illegal, unsafe abortion is common globally; it can occur in the UK.<br />

Acknowledgements<br />

This Chapter was seen and discussed with Dr Davor Jurkovic (London).<br />

References<br />

1 RCOG Guideline No. 21. The Management of Tubal Pregnancy. London: Royal College of Obstetricians<br />

& Gynaecologists; May 2004. www.rcog.org.uk<br />

2 RCOG Green-top Guideline no. 5. The Management of Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome. London:<br />

Royal College of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists: September 2006. www.rcog.org.uk

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