Activation of obstetric red code for eclampsia in a term adolescent pregnancy with insufficient prenatal care
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.21909028Keywords:
eclampsia, pre-eclampsia, pregnancy-induced hypertension, adolescent pregnancy, magnesium sulfate, case reportAbstract
Objective: To describe a case of eclampsia in a term adolescent pregnancy that prompted activation of the obstetric red-code protocol, with a favorable outcome for mother and newborn.
Methods: We present the case of a 15-year-old patient at term gestation, with hypertensive peaks since 23.3 weeks and five prenatal visits with scant complementary studies, who presented with an acute-onset seizure.
Results: On admission blood pressure was 180/120 mmHg and, during obstetric monitoring, a generalized tonic-clonic seizure prompted red-code activation. Treatment with labetalol, magnesium sulfate and antibiotics was started, and emergency cesarean section was indicated; during spinal anesthesia she had three additional seizures requiring sedation. A live newborn with good Apgar scores was delivered, and surgery was completed without difficulty and with satisfactory hemostasis. Blood pressure declined toward the end of the procedure and the patient was referred to a higher-complexity center for intensive care with a diagnosis of eclampsia.
Conclusion: This case illustrates the importance of complete prenatal care and of rapid-response protocols such as obstetric red code for timely resolution of severe hypertensive pregnancy emergencies, particularly in adolescent populations with greater clinical and social vulnerability.
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Copyright (c) 2024 Gisela Celeste Benítez Vargas, Zara Escobar Benítez (Autor/a)
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