2-Hour OBGYN Lecture Outline: Emergency-First Approach
PART 1: OBSTETRIC EMERGENCIES (60 minutes)
A. Hemorrhagic Emergencies (20 minutes)
Postpartum Hemorrhage
- Administer oxytocin 5-10 IU via slow IV or IM injection immediately at shoulder release or postpartum as first-line prophylaxis 1, 2
- If bleeding occurs despite oxytocin, give tranexamic acid 1 gram IV within 1-3 hours of bleeding onset (NNT: 276 to prevent one maternal death) 1, 2, 3
- Critical pitfall: Delaying tranexamic acid beyond 3 hours significantly reduces effectiveness 1, 3
- Ensure immediate availability of large-bore IV catheters, fluid warmers, forced-air body warmers, and rapid infusion devices 1, 3
- Establish massive transfusion protocol with blood bank resources 1
Abruptio Placentae
- Presents with vaginal bleeding (usually dark blood), abdominal pain, and uterine contractions 4, 5
- Occurs in 0.6-1.2% of all pregnancies, with nearly half occurring at term 4
- Grade III abruption (fetal death) indicates severe form with real risk of overt coagulopathy developing 6
- Risk factors include previous abruption, hypertensive diseases, abdominal trauma, growth restriction, and smoking 5
- Management: Aggressive volume resuscitation followed by expeditious delivery—cesarean section when fetus is alive and viable, vaginal delivery when fetus is dead 5, 6
- Prolongation of abruption-delivery interval worsens maternal prognosis 6
Placenta Previa
- Included in common hemorrhagic complications requiring specific management protocols 7
B. Hypertensive Emergencies (15 minutes)
Severe Pre-eclampsia/Eclampsia
- Represents acute neurological and cardiovascular emergency requiring immediate blood pressure control and seizure prophylaxis 3
- Administer magnesium sulfate as first-line therapy for eclamptic seizures 1, 2, 3
- Initiate antihypertensive treatment immediately to prevent intracranial hemorrhage 1
- Coordinate immediately with emergency services 1, 2, 3
- Maintain strict fluid balance and clear documentation 2
C. Delivery-Related Emergencies (15 minutes)
Imminent Delivery Assessment
- Systematically assess: multiparity, history of previous rapid or non-hospital delivery, regular painful uterine contractions, and urge to push 2, 3
- Perform cervical examination before contacting receiving obstetric team to optimize triage 2, 3
- Critical pitfall: Risk of delivery during transport constitutes contraindication to in utero transfer 8
Shoulder Dystocia
- Position patient for McRoberts maneuver if anticipated 2, 3
- Requires rapid recognition and systematic approach 8
Obstructed Labor
- Assess for cephalopelvic disproportion before proceeding with augmentation (occurs in 25-30% of active phase arrest cases) 2, 3
- Oxytocin augmentation is first-line treatment with 92% success rate for vaginal delivery when cephalopelvic disproportion is absent 2, 3
- For impacted fetal head at cesarean: use manual vaginal disimpaction, fetal pillow, assistant pushing head up from vagina, reverse breech extraction, and tocolysis 1, 2
Umbilical Cord Prolapse
- Requires immediate recognition and intervention 8
Breech Presentation
- May require reverse breech extraction technique during cesarean delivery 2
D. Cardiopulmonary Emergencies (10 minutes)
Maternal Cardiac Arrest
- Initiate standard ACLS protocols immediately with continuous left uterine displacement to relieve aortocaval compression 2
- Critical 4-minute rule: Prepare for emergency cesarean delivery at 4 minutes regardless of gestational age if uterus is at or above umbilicus 1, 2, 3
- Critical pitfall: Failure to recognize the 4-minute window leads to poor maternal and fetal outcomes 3
- Designate timekeeper to call out times at 1-minute intervals 1
- Circulation must be restored within 4 minutes before proceeding to perimortem cesarean 2
Amniotic Fluid Embolism
- Use cognitive aid checklist focusing on ABC principle: Airway, Breathing, Circulation 1, 2, 3
- Secure airway immediately if respiratory distress and seizure activity occur to prevent aspiration 1, 3
- Transfer to ICU immediately given multi-system involvement with respiratory failure, neurological compromise, and coagulopathy 3
- Avoid prostaglandin F2α and ergometrine in patients with respiratory distress 3
PART 2: NON-EMERGENT PREGNANCY TOPICS (30 minutes)
A. Pregnancy Complications (15 minutes)
Gestational Diabetes
- Glycemic targets in pregnancy are stricter than in nonpregnant individuals 8
- Management achieved through combination of insulin administration and medical nutrition therapy 8
- Women with diabetes should eat consistent amounts of carbohydrates to match insulin dosage and avoid hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia 8
Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy
- Women of reproductive age should have blood pressure checks during routine care 8
- If diagnosed with hypertension, counsel on lifestyle changes and medications safe in pregnancy 8
Multiple Gestation
- Requires specific management protocols 8
Gestational Trophoblastic Disease
- Requires early recognition and appropriate referral 8
Rh Incompatibility
- Screen and manage according to established protocols 8
B. Prenatal and Postpartum Care (15 minutes)
Preconception/Prenatal Care
- All women of reproductive age should take folic acid and consume balanced, healthy diet including folate-rich foods 8
- Women at high risk of neural tube defects should take higher levels of folic acid 8
- Discuss reproductive goals and issues at each visit 8
- Assess social history, lifestyle, and behavioral issues that may affect pregnancy 8
- Screen for alcohol consumption, tobacco use, and drug use 8
Postpartum Care
- ACOG recommends shifting from single visit to comprehensive set of visits customized to woman's needs during "fourth trimester" 8
- Monitor for postpartum hemorrhage, which may necessitate immediate transfusion, administration of oxytocics, and/or uterine manipulation 6
- Screen for postpartum psychiatric disorders 8
- Address postpartum pituitary disorders 8
Labor/Delivery Management
- Establish standardized approaches to emergency obstetric care 8
- Develop safety bundles addressing obstetric emergencies such as hemorrhage, severe hypertension, and venous thromboembolism 8
PART 3: NON-EMERGENT GYNECOLOGIC CONDITIONS (30 minutes)
A. Breast Disorders (8 minutes)
Mastitis and Abscess
- Differentiate between inflammatory mastitis and abscess requiring drainage 8
Fibroadenoma
- Benign solid breast mass requiring clinical assessment 8
Fibrocystic Changes
- Common benign condition requiring reassurance and symptom management 8
Galactorrhea
- Evaluate for hyperprolactinemia and other endocrine causes 8
Gynecomastia
- Assess for physiologic versus pathologic causes 8
B. Cervical and Uterine Disorders (8 minutes)
Cervicitis
Cervical Dysplasia
- Follow established screening and management guidelines 8
Cervical Insufficiency
- Consider cerclage placement in appropriate candidates 8
Endometriosis
- Diagnose based on clinical presentation and imaging 8
- Manage with medical and/or surgical approaches 8
Leiomyoma (Fibroids)
- Assess size, location, and symptoms 8
- Offer medical management or surgical options based on patient goals 8
Uterine Prolapse
- Evaluate degree of prolapse and impact on quality of life 8
C. Ovarian Disorders (6 minutes)
Ovarian Cysts
- Differentiate functional versus pathologic cysts 8
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Ovarian Torsion
- Recognize as surgical emergency requiring immediate intervention 8
D. Vaginal/Vulvar Disorders (4 minutes)
Vaginitis
- Differentiate bacterial vaginosis, candidiasis, and trichomoniasis 8
Bartholin Gland Cysts
- Manage with observation, drainage, or marsupialization 8
Pelvic Organ Prolapse (Cystocele, Rectocele)
- Assess degree and offer conservative versus surgical management 8
E. Infections and Contraception (4 minutes)
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
- Provide prompt antimicrobial therapy to prevent sequelae 8
Contraceptive Methods
- When pregnancy is not desired, discuss safe sex and effective contraceptive methods 8
- Offer full range of contraceptive methods with appropriate counseling tailored to each patient's preference 8
- Counsel women on importance of birth spacing 8
Human Sexuality and Gender Identity
- Provide inclusive, non-judgmental care 8
Infertility
- Evaluate both partners systematically 8
- Women with BMI ≥30 or <18.5 kg/m² should be counseled about possible infertility issues 8
Menopause
- Address vasomotor symptoms, genitourinary syndrome, and long-term health 8
Menstrual Disorders
- Evaluate abnormal uterine bleeding systematically 8
CRITICAL SYSTEM-LEVEL PREPAREDNESS POINTS
Essential Resources
- Establish direct contact between on-call obstetrician and emergency medical services 1, 2, 3
- Ensure immediate availability of basic and advanced life-support equipment in labor and delivery units 3
- Stock drugs commonly available in obstetric units 1
- Have rigid laryngoscope blades, videolaryngoscopic devices, and endotracheal tubes of assorted sizes immediately available 1
Staff Education
- Educate all staff about pregnancy-specific resuscitation modifications 1
- Provide emergency obstetric training for all personnel managing deliveries 3
- Lack of standardized approaches to emergency obstetric care contributes to poor maternal outcomes 3
Critical Pitfalls Summary