title: Survival following amniotic fluid embolism and cardiac arrest complicated by sub-capsular liver haematoma.
abstract: We describe the anaesthetic and intensive care management of a 38-year-old mother with presumed amniotic fluid embolism who suffered cardiorespiratory collapse following delivery of a normal baby by caesarean section. After initial resuscitation, her recovery was complicated by development of disseminated intravascular coagulation and a large sub-capsular hepatic haematoma. We describe the initial resuscitative efforts and subsequent intensive therapy to full neurological recovery and discharge from hospital.
authors.affiliation: Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care, Pinderfields General Hospital, Wakefield WF1 4DG, UK.
authors.forename: M P
authors.initials: MP
authors.lastname: Nagar
authors.forename: A P
authors.initials: AP
authors.lastname: Gratrix
authors.forename: H A
authors.initials: HA
authors.lastname: O'Beirne
authors.forename: S M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Enright
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D004211:Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation / Q000209:etiology; D004619:Embolism, Amniotic Fluid / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D006323:Heart Arrest / Q000628:therapy*; D006406:Hematoma / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D008107:Liver Diseases / Q000209:etiology*; D011247:Pregnancy