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https://hdl.handle.net/2440/62115
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Type: | Journal article |
Title: | Forensic issues in cases of water birth fatalities |
Author: | Byard, R. Zuccollo, J. |
Citation: | American Journal of Forensic Medicine and Pathology, 2010; 31(3):258-260 |
Publisher: | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins |
Issue Date: | 2010 |
ISSN: | 0195-7910 1533-404X |
Statement of Responsibility: | Roger W. Byard and Jane M. Zuccollo |
Abstract: | Birth under water has become a widely disseminated technique that is promoted to improve the quality of labor. The case of a 42-week gestation male infant is reported who died of respiratory and multiorgan failure secondary to florid pneumonia and sepsis due Pseudomonas aeruginosa following a water birth. Other infants who have been delivered underwater have drowned or have had near-drowning episodes with significant hyponatremia and water intoxication. Local and disseminated sepsis has been reported, with respiratory distress, fevers, hypoxic brain damage, and seizures. There have also been episodes of cord rupture with hemorrhage. The postmortem investigation of such cases requires a complete autopsy of the infant, with examination of the placenta. Full details of the pregnancy and delivery and inspection of the birthing unit are also needed. A septic workup of the infant and placenta should be undertaken along with sampling of water from the birthing unit and microbiological swabbing of the equipment. Vitreous sodium levels may reveal electrolyte disturbances. While fatal cases appear rare, this may change if water births gain in popularity. |
Keywords: | water birth drowning Pseudomonas sepsis |
Rights: | © 2010 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Inc. |
DOI: | 10.1097/PAF.0b013e3181e12eb8 |
Published version: | http://dx.doi.org/10.1097/paf.0b013e3181e12eb8 |
Appears in Collections: | Aurora harvest Pathology publications |
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