Management of pregnant trauma patients in emergency department: a narrative review to provide the most recent evidence

Abstract

Evaluation of a pregnant trauma patient (PTP) in the emergency department (ED) is somehow challenging, as two patients should be managed simultaneously. Here, we reviewed recently published articles to provide up-to-date information on the management of PTPs. We examined 35 articles and categorized their topics as follows: trauma severity, management of trauma patients, general approach to pregnant women with trauma, primary evaluation of pregnant women with trauma, breathing and ventilation, airway, circulatory system evaluation simultaneous with bleeding control, uterine replacement, blood transfusion, uterine displacement, cardiovascular resuscitation, defibrillation, pneumatic anti-shock garment, and perimortem cesarean section. Concerning trauma during pregnancy, the basic principle should be successful maternal resuscitation, which is vital for fetus survival.