Management of the Patient with Amniotic Fluid Embolism

Abstract

SUMMARY

Entry of amniotic fluid into the maternal circulation results in profound disturbances of cardiopulmonary function and the clotting mechanism. The rarity and unpredictability of the event makes prophylactic measures very difficult to apply and, despite many advances in resuscitation and systems support in the last few years, the mortality rate remains extremely high. It is impossible to disagree with the conclusions of the confidential enquiry into maternal deaths in England and Wales (Department of Health and Social Security, 1982) that ‘amniotic fluid embolism remains an unpredictable and largely unpreventable cause of maternal deaths’.