Differentiation between Hypovolemic Shock and Septic Shock in Patients with Unstable Vital Signs after Cesarean Section: A Case Report
- Author:
Jae Young JI
1
;
Da Hyung KIM
;
Yong Han SEO
;
Ho Soon JUNG
;
Hea Rim CHUN
;
Hyung Youn GONG
;
Jin Soo PARK
;
Ye Eun SHIN
Author Information
- Publication Type:Case Report
- From:Soonchunhyang Medical Science 2024;30(2):56-59
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
- Abstract: Hypovolemic shock and septic shock present similar symptoms, such as increased heart rate and decreased blood pressure. However, the two conditions have different causes, mechanisms, and treatment approaches. Early differentiation between the two conditions can have a positive impact on patient prognosis. In this case, the patient underwent a right ovarian cystectomy due to a teratoma torsion during a previous pregnancy, followed by treatment for a postoperative infection. While recovering, the patient underwent an emergency cesarean section due to sudden severe abdominal pain. After the surgery, unstable vital signs were suggestive of hypovolemia due to massive bleeding from the cesarean section. Therefore, fluid infusion and blood transfusion were initiated. The vital signs did not improve. So, the patient was reassessed. Body temperature and the previously elevated C-reactive protein levels were remeasured. The results of the reassessment indicated a septic condition due to previous infection. The patient was prescribed additional vasopressors and antibiotics for the following week. Subsequently, the patient’s vital signs stabilized, and the treatment was discontinued.
