Anaesthesia for caesarean section in patients with uncontrolled hyperthyroidism

Abstract

The anaesthetic management of two patients with uncontrolled hyperthyroidism requiring Caesarean section is described. The first patient was diagnosed as hyperthyroid during pregnancy but was resistant to medical management with propylthiouracil (PTU). At 38 weeks' gestation, after optimizing her heart rate with intravenous propranolol, she received an epidural anaesthetic for the Caesarean section. The baby had manifestations of hypothyroidism immediately after birth but later became hyperthyroid. The second patient's hyperthyroidism was well controlled but she stopped her medication one week before delivery. The Caesarean section was performed under general anaesthesia for fetal distress. The baby died in the neonatal period of extreme prematurity. The anaesthetic management of the hyperthyroid parturient is discussed. Preoperative control of hyperthyroidism, bearing in mind pregnancy and time constraints, is essential. The use of PTU, propranolol, iodine, and glucocorticoids is described in the preparation of the parturient. Fetal and neonatal effects of these drugs are discussed.