Document Type

Report

Department

Obstetrics and Gynaecology; Pathology and Laboratory Medicine

Abstract

Amniotic fluid embolism is a rare and severe problem in obstetric patients. We experienced a 21-year primigravida who underwent emergency cesarean section due to sudden collapse and fetal distress after rupture of membranes in labour. Subsequently, she developed intraoperative coagulopathy, hemorrhage, hypotension, and respiratory collapse requiring ventilation. Both maternal and neonatal lives were saved with full recovery and discharged in stable condition. The clinical diagnosis of amniotic fluid embolism (AFE) was made, which is a very rare complication of pregnancy/puerperium with varying presentation, ranging from cardiac arrest, circulatory collapse and death through mild degrees of organ system dysfunction with or without coagulopathy. AFE has no definitive test for its diagnosis; the detection of fetal elements in the maternal vasculature is non-specific. The treatment is largely supportive and there is no specific therapy. However, mortality of this condition remains high, if not timely intervened.

Publication (Name of Journal)

Journal of the College of Physicians and Surgeons Pakistan: JCPSP

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