gynecology and obstetrics
Amniotic Fluid Embolism
Key Points
Amniotic fluid embolism typically occurs during labor and delivery and causes a triad of hypoxia, hypotension, and coagulopathy. The disorder is not a mechanical embolic phenomenon but is probably a biochemical response in which exposure to fetal antigens triggers an overwhelming inflammatory response in the mother. Mortality is high, and patients require immediate aggressive respiratory and hemodynamic support and replacement of clotting factors. Immediate delivery is necessary for survival of a fetus that is a viable gestational age; it can also improve maternal outcome. 