Article Text
Abstract
Induction of labour using a balloon catheter is common practice throughout the world, often used in high-risk pregnancies due to the improved safety profile for the fetus compared with pharmacological methods. This report outlines the case of a 2500 mL antepartum haemorrhage on placement of a Foley catheter through the cervix at a secondary obstetric unit in New Zealand. An emergency caesarean section was carried out 20 min after the bleeding onset. No obvious cause for the bleeding was identified at caesarean. The mother required a blood transfusion, but otherwise, did well clinically; the infant required resuscitation at birth and went on to suffer a left middle cerebral artery stroke. At 6 months, he is assumed to have recovered with no long-term sequelae. A literature review has highlighted this was an unprecedented event. We hope to raise awareness of this rare catastrophic adverse outcome given the prevalence of balloon catheter induction.
- neonatal intensive care
- stroke
- obstetrics and gynaecology
- pregnancy
- materno-fetal medicine
Statistics from Altmetric.com
Footnotes
Contributors This case report was co-authored by OP and DF, who contributed equally to this paper and wish to be recognised as joint first authors of this case report. MS has supervised and reviewed this report.
Funding The authors have not declared a specific grant for this research from any funding agency in the public, commercial or not-for-profit sectors.
Competing interests None declared.
Patient consent for publication Obtained.
Provenance and peer review Not commissioned; externally peer-reviewed.