Amniotic fluid embolism: Analysis of the national registry

Steven L. Clark, Gary D.V. Hankins, Donald A. Dudley, Gary A. Dildy, T. Flint Porter

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

565 Scopus citations

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: We analyzed the clinical course and investigated possible pathophysiologic mechanisms amniotic fluid embolism. STUDY DESIGN: We carried out a retrospective review of medical records. Forty-six charts were analyzed for 121 separate clinical variables. RESULTS: Amniotic fluid embolism occurred during labor in 70% of the women, after vaginal delivery in 11%, and during cesarean section after delivery of the infant in 19%. No correlation was seen with prolonged labor or oxytocin use. A significant relation was seen between amniotic fluid embolism and male fetal sex. Forty-one percent of patients gave a history of allergy or atopy. Maternal mortality was 61%, with neurologically intact survival seen in 15% of women. Of fetuses in utero at the time of the ovent, only 39% survived. Clinical and hemodynamic manifestations were similar to those manifest in anaphytaxis and septic shock. CONCLUSIONS: Intact maternal or fetal survival with amniotic fluid embolism is rare. The striking similarities between clinical and hemodynamic findings in amniotic fluid embolism and both anaphylaxis and septic shock suggest a common pathophysiologic mechanism for all these conditions. Thus the term amniotic fluid embolism appears to be a misnomer.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1158-1169
Number of pages12
JournalAmerican journal of obstetrics and gynecology
Volume172
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - 1995
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Amniotic fluid embolism
  • fetal asphyxia
  • maternal mortality

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Obstetrics and Gynecology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Amniotic fluid embolism: Analysis of the national registry'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this