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Amniotic fluid embolism. Three case reports with a review of the literature.

Publication ,  Journal Article
Price, TM; Baker, VV; Cefalo, RC
Published in: Obstet Gynecol Surv
July 1985

Amniotic fluid embolism is a catastrophic event of the intra- and early postpartum period which may also be seen with cesarean delivery and during abortions. Presenting symptomatology includes respiratory distress with cyanosis, shock, and possibly tonic-clonic seizures. DIC frequently occurs. The pathogenesis may include entry of amniotic fluid through lacerations or ruptures of the uterus or cervix, through endocervical veins and through abnormal uteroplacental sites, such as with placental abruption, placenta previa, or placenta accreta. Amniotic fluid probably causes cardiovascular-respiratory symptoms by pulmonary vascular obstruction and through a vasoactive substance causing pulmonary vascular constriction. The lethality of amniotic fluid may be enhanced by a high particulate content or meconium staining. The diagnosis of amniotic fluid embolism may be made ante mortem by demonstrating amniotic fluid debris in central blood samples or expectorated sputum. Postmortem diagnosis often requires meticulous examination of the pulmonary microvasculature with the utilization of special stains. Treatment is directed towards symptoms of shock, arterial hypoxemia, and DIC. Acute renal failure may complicate the picture after shock. If the patient survives the embolic and coagulative problems, recovery is usually complete without long-term sequelae.

Duke Scholars

Published In

Obstet Gynecol Surv

DOI

ISSN

0029-7828

Publication Date

July 1985

Volume

40

Issue

7

Start / End Page

462 / 475

Location

United States

Related Subject Headings

  • Vacuum Extraction, Obstetrical
  • Pregnancy Complications
  • Pregnancy
  • Obstetrics & Reproductive Medicine
  • Humans
  • Hemodynamics
  • Female
  • Embolism, Amniotic Fluid
  • Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation
  • Dilatation
 

Citation

APA
Chicago
ICMJE
MLA
NLM
Price, T. M., Baker, V. V., & Cefalo, R. C. (1985). Amniotic fluid embolism. Three case reports with a review of the literature. Obstet Gynecol Surv, 40(7), 462–475. https://doi.org/10.1097/00006254-198507000-00007
Price, T. M., V. V. Baker, and R. C. Cefalo. “Amniotic fluid embolism. Three case reports with a review of the literature.Obstet Gynecol Surv 40, no. 7 (July 1985): 462–75. https://doi.org/10.1097/00006254-198507000-00007.
Price TM, Baker VV, Cefalo RC. Amniotic fluid embolism. Three case reports with a review of the literature. Obstet Gynecol Surv. 1985 Jul;40(7):462–75.
Price, T. M., et al. “Amniotic fluid embolism. Three case reports with a review of the literature.Obstet Gynecol Surv, vol. 40, no. 7, July 1985, pp. 462–75. Pubmed, doi:10.1097/00006254-198507000-00007.
Price TM, Baker VV, Cefalo RC. Amniotic fluid embolism. Three case reports with a review of the literature. Obstet Gynecol Surv. 1985 Jul;40(7):462–475.

Published In

Obstet Gynecol Surv

DOI

ISSN

0029-7828

Publication Date

July 1985

Volume

40

Issue

7

Start / End Page

462 / 475

Location

United States

Related Subject Headings

  • Vacuum Extraction, Obstetrical
  • Pregnancy Complications
  • Pregnancy
  • Obstetrics & Reproductive Medicine
  • Humans
  • Hemodynamics
  • Female
  • Embolism, Amniotic Fluid
  • Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation
  • Dilatation