Healing the Broken Heart: A Cardiac Odyssey in the Face of Obstetric Crisis.

Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is one of the leading causes of maternal morbidity and mortality worldwide. The management of severe PPH remains challenging despite advances in obstetric care. Conventional methods of management with uterotonic agents, surgical techniques, and blood transfusions often fail to provide adequate hemostasis, more so in refractory cases. The intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) has been recently described as a new therapeutic modality in refractory PPH and is commonly used in cardiology. This case report presents a rare case of severe uncontrollable PPH complicated by Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TCM). She was managed with the conventional methods by adding a relatively new technique, the IABP. The case thus brings out the potential role of IABP in the management of severe PPH and also reinforces the multidisciplinary approach in obstetrical emergencies.
Competing Interests: Human subjects: Consent was obtained or waived by all participants in this study. Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the following: Payment/services info: All authors have declared that no financial support was received from any organization for the submitted work. Financial relationships: All authors have declared that they have no financial relationships at present or within the previous three years with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work. Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work.
(Copyright © 2024, Ulavala et al.)