Management and communication problems in a patient with succinyl-CoA transferase deficiency in pregnancy and labour

Succinyl-CoA transferase deficiency is a high-risk condition that pre-disposes the sufferer to severe and life-threatening ketoacidosis. An 18-year-old woman with succinyl-CoA transferase deficiency was admitted to the delivery suite for induction of labour at 38 weeks of gestation. Her management included adequate calorie intake in order to avoid fatty acid metabolism and adequate hydration along with rigorous electrolyte balance and minimisation of physiological stress by the use of epidural analgesia. The needs of the woman’s condition had to be balanced against the desire to minimise gastric volume in case emergency obstetric intervention was required.