Pulmonary edema is a special form of toxemia of pregnancy with an extremely unfavorable prognosis and despite of low incidence it is important among the major causes of death of women in pregnancy or confinement.
A recent patient at our clinic, in the 7th month (25th week) of pregnancy, suddenly developed symptoms indicative of pulmonary edema associated with toxemia of pregnancy. With our circulatory specialists medical treatment with cardiotonics was instituted by us in an attempt to maintain pregnancy. Results of the treatment were successful and the patient recovered from her critical condition. Meticulous observation of the course of the illness was maintained, cesarean section was performed and she was successfully delivered of a mature infant.
This case has important implications for the management of women in pregnancy or confinement. As in this case the disease was of relatively early onset in a patient with no previous history of any cardiac or renal disorders and by judicious management in our hospital with the help of circulatory specialists the patient was successfully delivered of a healthy child. Thus we recommend systematic and thorough examination of complaints of pregnant women together with intensive management of toxemia and other maternal complications in the ward to drastically reduce both perinatal and maternal mortalities.

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