[Pregnancy and delivery in a woman with neuromuscular disease. Spinal muscular atrophy and severely reduced pulmonary function]

Abstract

Pregnancy and delivery are described in a 22-year-old woman suffering from spinal muscular atrophy. In spite of severe respiratory insufficiency with a vital capacity of 0.6 litre, pregnancy and planned caesarean section in general anaesthesia went without complications. Some explanations for this are presented. Teams involving respiratory centres specialized in the treatment of patients with neuromuscular diseases, obstetricians and neurologists are recommended. These teams may carry out individual counselling, frequent controls, respiratory support and planning of delivery.