Hussein Balfaqih: From Near‑Fatal Hemorrhage to Walking The Ward
Hussein Balfaqih, Chairman of Critical Care Department at Family Care Hospital, shared on LinkedIn:
”From near‑fatal hemorrhage to walking the ward — a story that reminds us how timing and teamwork can change outcomes.
At Family Care Hospital, a 29‑year‑old woman pregnant with twins presented with severe abdominal pain.
She was rushed for an emergency C‑section, where a retroperitoneal hemorrhage was discovered.
Further exploration revealed the culprit — a ruptured splenic artery aneurysm, a rare but life‑threatening event.
She rapidly became hypotensive and required splenic artery repair, re‑exploration, intubation, ICU support, inotropes, and a massive transfusion protocol (12 units PRBC, 6 units FFP, and platelets).
The turning point came through early recognition, rapid multidisciplinary coordination, and seamless activation of the surgical, anesthesia, obstetrics, and critical care teams Dr Nazih, Ahmad Hekmat, FarajAlali, Mohammad Alwaseef, Baher Obeidat, Amr Issa, Dr Ali Alkuraimi, Mohamed Akp Elbab.
Over the following days, her recovery was remarkable:
- Extubated and off inotropes
- Hemodynamically stable on room air
- Improving liver enzymes and cardiac and inflammatory markers
- Wound healing well, mobilizing, and tolerating oral intake.
By day four, she was conscious, mobile, and ready to transfer from ICU to HDU, then safely to the ward — on prophylactic anticoagulation and supportive care.
Key reflections from this case:
- Obstetric patients can deteriorate in minutes; early suspicion of internal bleeding saves lives.
- Massive transfusion protocols, structured team handovers, and clear leadership in the OR and ICU are game‑changers.”
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