Transfusion successful in a case of post partum hemorrhage / by Thomas Edward Beatty.

  • Beatty, Thomas Edward, 1801-1872.
Date:
1870
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Transfusion successful in a case of post partum hemorrhage / by Thomas Edward Beatty. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by The Royal College of Surgeons of England. The original may be consulted at The Royal College of Surgeons of England.

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    On the morning of the 22nd of February I was sent for at 7 o’clock, and on my arrival I found that she had been seized with labour an hour before, accompanied with profuse hemorrhage. She had no nurse; her mother was alone with her. A six month child was expelled, alive, and lying in an ocean of blood. The patient was pale, pulseless, and cold as marble. The placenta was still in the uterus. Upon making pressure on the abdomen, a very large coagulum of blood was expelled from the vagina; the uterus felt firm; and on tracing the cord up, the os uteri was found closed to the size of a two-shilling piece, holding the placenta within. A slight draining of blood continued to flow. The only stimulant at hand was a bottle of sherry, of which I gave her three glasses in rapid succession. It was very plain that she was in imminent peril, and I despatched a messenger to summon Dr. Denham, who came to my assistance without delay. Before his arrival, I gave her a drachm of ergot in more wine, and had jars of hot water applied to the feet. On consultation with Dr. Denham, we agreed, that as there was still a draining of blood going on, it was necessary to remove the placenta. This I requested him to do, as his hand was smaller than mine, and would more easily enter the uterus, which was only developed to the sixth month of pregnancy, and the os uteri was closed upon the umbilical cord. With very considerable difficulty this was accomplished, while I took charge of the uterus above, and made pressure to insure its contraction. A quart of vinegar and water was thrown up the vagina with a syringe, and all bleeding then ceased. Our endeavours were now directed to restore the exhausted vital energy of our patient. A pint of warm beef-tea and a glass of brandy were thrown up the rectum, and hot brandy and water were given by the mouth freely. Strong beef-tea was swallowed at intervals by our patient, but nothing seemed to revive her failing powers. The pulse never returned, and the same corpse-like coldness of the surface continued. Quart bottles filled with hot water, and covered with flannel, were placed in the axillae, and along both sides, and under the knees, while the hot jars were kept to the feet. More brandy and beef- tea were thrown up the rectum, and were taken freely by the mouth, the stomach retaining everything. Sighing and tossing about began, and signs of sinking became manifest. It was now 1 o’clock in the day. Six hours had elapsed since her delivery, and no appearance of amendment had yet manifested itself. I felt convinced that she must die unless her downward course was