Amniotic Fluid Embolism.
Amniotic fluid embolism remains one of the most devastating conditions in obstetric practice with an incidence of approximately 1 in 40,000 deliveries and a reported mortality rate ranging from 20% to 60%. The pathophysiology involves an abnormal maternal response to fetal tissue exposure associated with breaches of the maternal-fetal physiologic barrier during parturition. This response and its subsequent injury involve activation of proinflammatory mediators similar to that seen with the classic systemic inflammatory response syndrome. Maternal treatment is primarily supportive, whereas prompt delivery in the mother who has sustained cardiopulmonary arrest is critical for improved newborn outcome.
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Texas Children's Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine, 6651 Main Street, 10th Floor, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
Amir A
AA
Shamshirsaz
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Texas Children's Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine, 6651 Main Street, 10th Floor, Houston, TX 77030, USA. Electronic address: Steven.Clark@bcm.edu.
Steven L
SL
Clark
D019468:Disease Management; D004619:Embolism, Amniotic Fluid / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008431:Maternal-Fetal Exchange / Q000502:physiology*; D007744:Obstetric Labor Complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D011247:Pregnancy; D011256:Pregnancy Outcome
Amniotic fluid embolism; Cardiorespiratory arrest; Disseminated intravascular coagulopathy; Maternal death; Pregnancy