Amniotic fluid embolism managed with success during labour: report of a severe clinical case and review of literature.

BACKGROUND: AFE (amniotic fluid embolism) is widely known as a disastrous rapid-progressing clinical entity. The incident ranges from 1:800 to 1:8,000. The mortality rate reaches 61-86%. Neonatal survival is reported at 70%.

METHODS: We describe the case of a healthy 29-year old primigravida developing amniotic fluid embolism during labour. Acute respiratory failure and hypotension combined with seizures were the initial symptoms. The patient under went an urgent caesarean section with extreme blood loss, complicated by disseminated coagulopathy.

RESULTS: A total hysterectomy was performed due to profuse bleeding. Aggressive management was practiced with continuous transfusion of blood products and administration of vasocopressors.

CONCLUSION: Amniotic fluid embolism or anaphylactoid syndrome of pregnancy is a life-threatening condition. Diagnosis is one of the exclusion. Its management is very difficult and requires quick management and cooperation of physicians from different specialties.