Mendelson’s syndrome (Pulmonary acid Aspiration Syndrome)

Mendelson’s syndrome (Pulmonary acid Aspiration Syndrome)

This is a significant cause of obstetric anesthetic death. It occurs due to inhalation of vomited or regurgitated gastric juice. The gastric juice being highly irritated to the bronchial tree and lungs produces bronchiaspasms, dyspnoea cyanosis and pulmonary oedema death may occur in hours or days. It can occur even when no food has been taken for many hours.

Treatment

Prophylaxis

·              15mls Mist Magnesium Tricilicate 2 hourly during labour and less than 30 minutes prior to G.A. or operative procedure to reduce acidity of the stomach content.

·              Pre anaesthetic induction dose of antacid is recommended – 20mls of 0.3 molar sodium citrate solution.

Active Treatment

Lower the bed at the head. Apply cricoid pressure Clear the air ways – by suctioning. Give Oxygen, Steroids and aminophylline for relief of bronchial spasm. I.V. glucose and Antibiotic therapy .