Favorable outcome after nine minutes of shoulder dystocia preceded by a tight nuchal cord

Abstract

Abstract Objectives A case report involving a tight nuchal cord and concomitant shoulder dystocia with a review of the literature. We demonstrate that favorable outcomes may result with correct application of maneuvers and adequate management after delivery. Case presentation A 41 years old woman was admitted with spontaneous rupture of membranes. The first stage of labor was unremarkable. During the second stage, an intentionally-cut tight nuchal cord was followed by 9 min of shoulder dystocia that was finally relieved by delivery of the anterior shoulder. APGAR scores were 0, 3, 4, 7 at 1, 5, 10 and 20 min respectively. The neonate was placed under therapuetic hypothermia and was discharged after 13 days. At 5 months and 1.5 years of age, the infant met age appropriate developmental milestones with no neurologic sequela. Conclusions Shoulder dystocia can result in fatal outcomes for the neonate. Adequate management highlights the need for prompt recognition of this complication and application of appropriate maneuvers. Therapeutic hypothermia decreases mortality and improves neurological development in infants who experience hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE).