The initial goal is the rapid correction of maternal hemodynamic instability, which includes
correction of hypoxia and hypotension, for preventing additional hypoxia and subsequent
end-organ failure. Oxygen should be administered immediately by whatever means
necessary, including face mask, bag-valve mask, or endotracheal intubation, in
concentrations adequate to keep oxygen saturation at 90% or higher.129,130 Treatment of
hypotension includes optimization of preload, with rapid volume infusion of isotonic
crystalloid solutions. Fluid therapy should be based on pulmonary artery catheter or
transesophageal echocardiography monitoring. In cases of refractory hypotension,
vasopressors such as dopamine or norepinephrine may be necessary. Inotropes, such as
dobutamine, dopamine, and milrinone can be added because β-adrenergic agonists improve
myocardial contractility in addition to the α-adrenergic vasoconstrictor effects. It is
desirable to maintain systolic blood pressure at or higher than 90 mmHg, an arterial PaO2 of
at least 60 mmHg, with acceptable organ perfusion, asindicated by a urinary output of at
least 0.5 mL/kg/h or greater than 25 mL/h.