Medication induced fetal bladder rupture: a case report

Eldon Palmer, Milette Oliveros, Jason Fong, George Graham

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DOI: 10.4236/ojog.2011.12004                

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Intrauterine bladder rupture is a rare complication usually caused by structural bladder outlet obstruction. Some medications are known to cause urinary retention or diuresis in fetuses and preterm infants. CASE: A 31-year-old gravida 6, para 3023 at 29 weeks and 2 days’ gestation required intubation, mechanical ventilation, and medical management for severe chest pain and respiratory failure, eventually diagnosed as asthma and pneumonia. An obstetrical ultrasound on hospital day three revealed a markedly dilated fetal bladder. Repeat ultrasound the following day showed a decompressed fetal bladder and significant ascites. A cesarean delivery was performed for a nonreassuring fetal heart rate. Postnatal evaluation by voiding cystourethrogram and cystoscopy revealed bladder rupture without evidence of outlet obstruction. Given the absence of other plausible causes, the rupture was likely due to exposure to maternal medications. CONCLUSION: Transplacental exposure to maternal medications may cause fetal urinary retention and intrauterine bladder rupture. Fetal ultrasound surveillance during treatment with medications known to cause urinary retention may allow for early diagnosis and intervention.

Keywords

Bladder Rupture; Maternal Medication; Pharmacology; Fetal Urinary Retention; Fetal Ultrasound

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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