Pulmonary insufficiency associated with pregnancy.

Six obstetric patients with severe pulmonary insufficiency are presented. The volume respirator and quality intensive care remain the basis of treatment. Experience with extracorporeal oxygenation is discussed. The patients demonstrated the typical progression seen in lung disease. An acute, severe insult is followed by hypoxia and pulmonary insufficiency with ensuing pulmonary fibrosis. Serious infection, coagulopathies, and mechanical problems of ventilation add to the difficulty of treatment and the high mortality rate in what may be referred to as an adult respiratory distress syndrome. It is important for the clinician to take an aggressive approach in the management of severe respiratory insufficiency.