Successful maternal-foetal outcome using nitric oxide and sildenafil in pulmonary hypertension with atrial septal defect and HIV infection

Ng WPK, Yip WLJ
Correspondence: Dr James Wei Luen Yip, james_yip@nuhs.edu.sg

ABSTRACT
Pulmonary hypertension associated with pregnancy carries a poor prognosis. We describe successful maternal-foetal outcome for a 30-year-old woman who was found to have severe pulmonary hypertension, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and an atrial septal defect. Prior to delivery, she was managed with subcutaneous enoxaparine, sildenafil, nitric oxide, careful maintenance of a euvolemic status and antiretroviral therapy. She was planned for an elective Caesarean section to reduce the risk of maternal-foetal HIV transmission, but went into labour in the coronary care unit. During delivery, antibiotic prophylaxis was given, although there was insufficient time for intravenous zidovudine. Peripartum, the patient was continued on nitric oxide and subcutaneous enoxaparine. She was eventually weaned off the nitric oxide and recovered well.

Keywords: atrial septal defect, HIV infection, pregnancy, pulmonary hypertension, sildenafil
Singapore Med J 2012; 53(1): e3–e5