Aspiration pneumonia following intravenous administration of alcohol during labor.

A pregnant woman aspirated highly acid gastric contents during anesthesia for a cervical circlage procedure after she had received alcohol intravenously to stop premature labor. Pulmonary lavage extended and intensified the pneumonitis. She required several days of intensive pulmonary therapy with intermittent positive pressure ventilation monitored by frequent blood-gas determinations in addition to treatment with steroids and antibiotics. Alcohol is a potent gastric acid secretagogue. Patients in premature labor treated with alcohol intravenously must be considered to have stomach contents.