gynecology and obstetrics
Amniotic Fluid Embolism
Introduction
Amniotic fluid embolism is a clinical syndrome of hypoxia, hypotension, and coagulopathy that results from entry of fetal antigens into the maternal circulation. Amniotic fluid embolism is a rare obstetric emergency, estimated to occur in 2 to 6/100,000 pregnancies ( General references ). It usually occurs during late pregnancy but may occur during induced abortion of a first- or second-trimester pregnancy. Although mortality estimates vary widely (from about 20 to 90%), the syndrome clearly poses a significant risk, and of women who die suddenly during labor, amniotic fluid embolism is one of the most likely causes ( General references , 