1
|
Kerns JL, Brown K, Nippita S, Steinauer J. Society of Family Planning Clinical Recommendation: Management of hemorrhage at the time of abortion. Contraception 2024; 129:110292. [PMID: 37739302 DOI: 10.1016/j.contraception.2023.110292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/24/2023]
Abstract
Hemorrhage after abortion is rare, occurring in fewer than 1% of abortions, but associated morbidity may be significant. Although medication abortion is associated with more bleeding than procedural abortion, overall bleeding for the two methods is minimal and not clinically different. Hemorrhage can be caused by atony, coagulopathy, and abnormal placentation, as well as by such procedure complications as perforation, cervical laceration, and retained tissue. Evidence for practices around postabortion hemorrhage is extremely limited. The Society of Family Planning recommends preoperative identification of individuals at high risk of hemorrhage as well as development of an organized approach to treatment. Specifically, individuals with a uterine scar and complete placenta previa seeking abortion at gestations after the first trimester should be evaluated for placenta accreta spectrum. For those at high risk of hemorrhage, referral to a higher-acuity center should be considered. We propose an algorithm for treating postabortion hemorrhage as follows: (1) assessment and examination, (2) uterine massage and medical therapy, (3) resuscitative measures with laboratory evaluation and possible reaspiration or balloon tamponade, and (4) interventions such as embolization and surgery. Evidence supports the use of oxytocin as prophylaxis for bleeding with dilation and evacuation; methylergonovine prophylaxis, however, is associated with more bleeding at the time of dilation and evacuation. Future research is needed on tranexamic acid as prophylaxis and treatment and misoprostol as prophylaxis. Structural inequities contribute to bleeding risk. Acknowledging how our policies hinder or remedy health inequities is essential when developing new guidelines and approaches to clinical services.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer L Kerns
- University of California, San Francisco, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, San Francisco, CA, USA.
| | - Katherine Brown
- University of California, San Francisco, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Siripanth Nippita
- New York University, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jody Steinauer
- University of California, San Francisco, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, San Francisco, CA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Banwarth-Kuhn B, McQuade M, Krashin JW. Vaginal Bleeding Before 20 Weeks Gestation. Obstet Gynecol Clin North Am 2023; 50:473-492. [PMID: 37500211 DOI: 10.1016/j.ogc.2023.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
Conditions that often present with vaginal bleeding before 20 weeks are common and can cause morbidity and mortality. Clinically stable patients can choose their management options. Clinically unstable patients require urgent procedural management: uterine aspiration, dilation and evacuation, or surgical removal of an ectopic pregnancy. Septic abortion requires prompt procedural management, intravenous antibiotics, and intravenous fluids. Available data on prognosis with expectant management of pre-viable rupture of membranes in the United States are poor for mothers and fetuses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jamie W Krashin
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, MSC 10 5580, 1 University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131-0001, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Bridwell R, Long B, Montrief T, Gottlieb M. Post-abortion Complications: A Narrative Review for Emergency Clinicians. West J Emerg Med 2022; 23:919-925. [DOI: 10.5811/westjem.2022.8.57929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
An abortion is a procedure defined by termination of pregnancy, most commonly performed in the first or second trimester. There are several means of classification, but the most important includes whether the abortion was maternally “safe” (performed in a safe, clean environment with experienced providers and no legal restrictions) or “unsafe” (performed with hazardous materials and techniques, by person without the needed skills, or in an environment where minimal medical standards are not met). Complication rates depend on the procedure type, gestational age, patient comorbidities, clinician experience, and most importantly, whether the abortion is safe or unsafe. Safe abortions have significantly lower complication rates compared to unsafe abortions. Complications include bleeding, retained products of conception, retained cervical dilator, uterine perforation, amniotic fluid embolism, misoprostol toxicity, and endometritis. Mortality rates for safe abortions are less than 0.2%, compared to unsafe abortion rates that range between 4.7-13.2%. History and physical examination are integral components in recognizing complications of safe and unsafe abortions, with management dependent upon the diagnosis. This narrative review provides a focused overview of post-abortion complications for emergency clinicians.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Bridwell
- Madigan Army Medical Center, Department of Emergency Medicine, Tacoma, Washington
| | - Brit Long
- Brooke Army Medical Center, Department of Emergency Medicine, Fort Sam Houston, Texas
| | - Tim Montrief
- Jackson Memorial Health System, Department of Emergency Medicine, Miami, Florida
| | - Michael Gottlieb
- Rush University Medical Center, Department of Emergency Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Coggins AS, Gomez E, Sheffield JS. Pulmonary Embolism and Amniotic Fluid Embolism. Obstet Gynecol Clin North Am 2022; 49:439-460. [PMID: 36122978 DOI: 10.1016/j.ogc.2022.02.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
Venous thromboembolism (VTE) as well as other embolic events including amniotic fluid embolism (AFE) remain a leading cause of maternal death in the United States and worldwide. The pregnant patient is at a higher risk of developing VTE including pulmonary embolism. In contrast, AFE is a rare, but catastrophic event that remains incompletely understood. Here the authors review the cause of VTE in pregnancy and look at contemporary and evidence-based practices for the evaluation, diagnosis, and management in pregnancy. Then the cause and diagnostic difficulty of AFE as well as what is known regarding the pathogenesis are reviewed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ashley S Coggins
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 600 North Wolfe Street, Phipps 228, Baltimore, MD 21287-4922, USA.
| | - Erin Gomez
- Diagnostic Imaging Division, Diagnostic Radiology Residency, JHU SOM Diagnostic Radiology Elective, Department of Radiology, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, 600 N. Wolfe St. Nelson MRI Building #143 Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Jeanne S Sheffield
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 600 North Wolfe Street, Phipps 228, Baltimore, MD 21287-4922, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Cahan T, De Castro H, Kalter A, Simchen MJ. Amniotic fluid embolism - implementation of international diagnosis criteria and subsequent pregnancy recurrence risk. J Perinat Med 2021; 49:546-552. [PMID: 33470959 DOI: 10.1515/jpm-2020-0391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2020] [Accepted: 12/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES An international diagnostic criterion for amniotic fluid embolism (AFE) diagnosis has recently been published. Data regarding subsequent pregnancies is scarce. We sought to implement recent diagnostic criteria and detail subsequent pregnancies in survivors. METHODS A case series of all suspected AFE cases at a tertiary medical center between 2003 and 2018 is presented. Cases meeting the diagnostic criteria for AFE were included. Clinical presentation, treatment, and outcomes described. Pregnancy outcomes in subsequent pregnancies in AFE survivors detailed. RESULTS Between 2003 and 2018 14 women were clinically suspected with AFE and 12 of them (85.71%) met the diagnostic criteria for AFE. Three cases occurred during midtrimester dilation and evacuation procedures, and the remaining occurred in the antepartum period. Of the antepartum cases, mode of delivery was cesarean delivery or vacuum extraction for expedited delivery due to presentation of AFE in 8/9 cases (88.88%). Clinical presentation included cardiovascular collapse, respiratory distress and disseminated intravascular coagulopathy (DIC). Heart failure of varying severity was diagnosed in 75% (9/12) cases. Composite maternal morbidity was 5/12 (41.66%), without cases of maternal mortality. 11 subsequent pregnancies occurred in four AFE survivors. Pregnant women were followed by a high-risk pregnancy specialist and multidisciplinary team if pregnancy continued beyond the early second trimester. Six pregnancies resulted in a term delivery. No recurrences of AFE were documented. CONCLUSIONS Use of a diagnostic criterion for diagnosis of AFE results in a more precise diagnosis of AFE. Nevertheless, the accuracy of clinical diagnosis is still high. Subsequent pregnancies were not associated with AFE recurrence.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tal Cahan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan, Israel
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Hila De Castro
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan, Israel
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Anat Kalter
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan, Israel
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Michal J Simchen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan, Israel
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Stafford IA, Moaddab A, Dildy GA, Klassen M, Berra A, Watters C, Belfort MA, Romero R, Clark SL. Amniotic fluid embolism syndrome: analysis of the Unites States International Registry. Am J Obstet Gynecol MFM 2020; 2:100083. [PMID: 33345954 PMCID: PMC8500673 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajogmf.2019.100083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2019] [Accepted: 12/20/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Incidence, risk factors, and perinatal morbidity and mortality rates related to amniotic fluid embolism remain a challenge to evaluate, given the presence of differing international diagnostic criteria, the lack of a gold standard diagnostic test, and a significant overlap with other causes of obstetric morbidity and mortality. OBJECTIVE The aims of this study were (1) to analyze the clinical features and outcomes of women using the largest United States-based contemporary international amniotic fluid embolism registry, and (2) to investigate differences in demographic and obstetric variables, clinical presentation, and outcomes between women with typical versus atypical amniotic fluid embolism, using previously published and validated criteria for the research reporting of amniotic fluid embolism. MATERIALS AND METHODS The AFE Registry is an international database established at Baylor College of Medicine (Houston, TX) in partnership with the Amniotic Fluid Embolism Foundation (Vista, CA) and the Perinatology Research Branch of the Division of Intramural Research of the NICHD/NIH/DHHS (Detroit, MI). Charts submitted to the registry between August 2013 and September 2017 were reviewed, and cases were categorized into typical, atypical, non-amniotic fluid embolism, and indeterminate, using the previously published and validated criteria for the research reporting of AFE. Demographic and clinical variables, as well as outcomes for patients with typical and atypical AFE, were recorded and compared. Student t tests, χ2 tests, and analysis of variance tables were used to compare the groups, as appropriate, using SAS/STAT software, version 9.4. RESULTS A total of 129 charts were available for review. Of these, 46% (59/129) represented typical amniotic fluid embolism and 12% (15/129) atypical amniotic fluid embolism, 21% (27/129) were non-amniotic fluid embolism cases with a clear alternative diagnosis, and 22% (28/129) had an uncertain diagnosis. Of the 27 women misclassified as an amniotic fluid embolism with an alternative diagnosis, the most common actual diagnosis was hypovolemic shock secondary to postpartum hemorrhage. Ten percent (6/59) of the women with typical amniotic fluid embolism had a pregnancy complicated by placenta previa, and 8% (5/61) had undergone in vitro fertilization to achieve pregnancy. In all, 66% (49/74) of the women with amniotic fluid embolism reported a history of atopy or latex, medication, or food allergy, compared to 34% of the obstetric population delivered at our hospital over the study period (P < .05). CONCLUSION Our data represent a series of women with amniotic fluid embolism whose diagnosis has been validated by detailed chart review, using recently published and validated criteria for research reporting of amniotic fluid embolism. Although no definitive risk factors were identified, a high rate of placenta previa, reported allergy, and conceptions achieved through in vitro fertilization was observed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Irene A Stafford
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX.
| | - Amirhossein Moaddab
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
| | - Gary A Dildy
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
| | | | - Alexandra Berra
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
| | - Christine Watters
- Biostatistics Program, School of Public Health, LSU Health, New Orleans, LA
| | - Michael A Belfort
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
| | - Roberto Romero
- Perinatology Research Branch, Program for Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, and Detroit, MI; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan Health System, Ann Arbor, MI; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI; Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI; Detroit Medical Center, Detroit, MI; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Florida International University, Miami, FL
| | - Steven L Clark
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Atypical Amniotic Fluid Embolism Managed with a Novel Therapeutic Regimen. Case Rep Obstet Gynecol 2017; 2017:8458375. [PMID: 29430313 PMCID: PMC5753013 DOI: 10.1155/2017/8458375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2017] [Revised: 09/26/2017] [Accepted: 11/19/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Amniotic fluid embolism (AFE) is the second leading cause of maternal mortality in the USA with an incidence of 1 : 15,200 births. The case fatality rate and perinatal mortality associated with AFE are 13–30% and 9–44%, respectively. This rare but devastating complication can be difficult to diagnose as many of the early signs and symptoms are nonspecific. Compounding this diagnostic challenge is a lack of effective treatment regimens which to date are mostly supportive. We present the case of a 26-year-old woman who suffered from suspected AFE and was successfully treated with the novel regimen of Atropine, Ondansetron, and Ketorolac (A-OK). The authors acknowledge that this case does not meet the new criteria proposed, by Clark in 2016, but feel that it is important to share this case report, due to dramatic patient response to the provided supportive therapy presented in this case report. We hope this case report will prompt further research into this novel approach to treating AFE with Atropine, Ondansetron, and Ketorolac.
Collapse
|
8
|
Tobin C, H. Wilson S, A. Rodriguez P, B. Lazenby G, R. Dempsey A. Amniotic Fluid Embolism during Dilation and Evacuation during 2nd Trimester Treated by ACLS Guidelines, ECMO and Dialysis: A Case Report. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017. [DOI: 10.15436/2377-1364.17.069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
|
9
|
|
10
|
Amniotic Fluid Embolism: Anaphylactic Reactions With Idiosyncratic Adverse Response. Obstet Gynecol Surv 2016; 70:511-7. [PMID: 26314236 DOI: 10.1097/ogx.0000000000000197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
PROBLEM Amniotic fluid embolism (AFE) is a rare but severe emergency in obstetrics. The aim of the present study was to investigate the pathophysiology of AFE. METHODS A search was conducted between 1966 and 2014 through the English-language literature (online MEDLINE PubMed database) using the keyword amniotic fluid embolism combined with anaphylaxis, anaphylactoid, complement activation, mast cells, fetal antigens, and idiosyncratic. RESULTS Amniotic fluid embolism is a rare clinical entity but a severe obstetric emergency that can be lethal even in previously healthy women in labor or in the early postpartum period. There appears to be at least 2 mechanisms. First, adverse reactions in AFE are usually unexpected and fetal antigen dose dependent. Given the disastrous entry of amniotic fluid into the maternal circulation, they experience a sudden cardiopulmonary collapse (mechanical obstruction subtype). Second, anaphylactic and anaphylactoid reactions of the remaining AFE are also relatively unexpected and fetal antigen dose independent and can occur at the first exposure to amniotic fluid components. They are associated with complement activation and subsequent postpartum hemorrhage. Cardiac mast cells constitute a central pathogenesis of anaphylactic (immunoglobulin E-dependent) and anaphylactoid (immunoglobulin E-independent) reactions. CONCLUSIONS Recent immunologic studies provide a new approach to the study of the pathophysiology of AFE.
Collapse
|
11
|
McDonnell N, Percival V, Paech M. Amniotic fluid embolism: a leading cause of maternal death yet still a medical conundrum. Int J Obstet Anesth 2013; 22:329-36. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijoa.2013.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2013] [Accepted: 08/06/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
|
12
|
|
13
|
|
14
|
Maternal cardiac arrest and perimortem caesarean delivery: Evidence or expert-based? Resuscitation 2012; 83:1191-200. [DOI: 10.1016/j.resuscitation.2012.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 180] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2012] [Revised: 04/29/2012] [Accepted: 05/02/2012] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
|
15
|
Successful resuscitation following amniotic fluid embolism in a patient undergoing induction of labour for late miscarriage. Int J Obstet Anesth 2012; 21:202-3. [PMID: 22405979 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijoa.2012.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2011] [Revised: 01/25/2012] [Accepted: 01/31/2012] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
|
16
|
Lee JH, Ko YS, Shin HJ, Yi JH, Han SW, Kim HJ. Is There a Relationship between Hyperkalemia and Propofol? Electrolyte Blood Press 2011; 9:27-31. [PMID: 21998604 PMCID: PMC3186894 DOI: 10.5049/ebp.2011.9.1.27] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2011] [Accepted: 06/08/2011] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
This is a case of a sudden cardio-pulmonary arrest in a 29 year-old female, which occurred immediately after a large bolus infusion of propofol (100 mg) intravenously during dilatation and curettage. The arrest suddenly occurred, and the patient was eventually transferred to our emergency room (ER) on cardiopulmonary resuscitation. At that time, severe hyperkalemia up to 9.1 mEq/L and ventricular fibrillation were noted. Resuscitation in ER worked successfully with conversion of electrocardiograph to sinus rhythm, but this patient expired unfortunately. On view of this acute event immediately after the bolus injection of propofol accompanied without other identified causes, severe hyperkalemia induced by propofol was strongly assumed to be the cause of death. To our understanding with the literature survey, propofol as a cause of hyperkalemia has not been well described yet. Through this case, the relationship as a cause and an effect between propofol and hyperkalemia is suggested.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ju-Hyun Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hanyang University Guri Hospital, Guri, Korea
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
Abstract
The disastrous entry of amniotic fluid into the maternal circulation leads to dramatic sequelae of clinical events, characteristically referred to as Amniotic fluid embolism (AFE). The underlying mechanism for AFE is still poorly understood. Unfortunately, this situation has very grave maternal and fetal consequences. AFE can occur during labor, caesarean section, dilatation and evacuation or in the immediate postpartum period. The pathophysiology is believed to be immune mediated which affects the respiratory, cardiovascular, neurological and hematological systems. Undetected and untreated it culminates into fulminant pulmonary edema, intractable convulsions, disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), malignant arrhythmias and cardiac arrest. Definite diagnosis can be confirmed by identification of lanugo, fetal hair and fetal squamous cells (squames) in blood aspirated from the right ventricle. Usually the diagnosis is made clinically and by exclusion of other causes. The cornerstone of management is a multidisciplinary approach with supportive treatment of failing organs systems. Despite improved modalities for diagnosing AFE, and better intensive care support facilities, the mortality is still high.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Rudra
- Department of Anaesthesiology, K.P.C. Medical College, Kolkata, India.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
|
19
|
Factor VIIa treatment of DIC as a clinical manifestation of amniotic fluid embolism in a patient with fetal demise. Arch Gynecol Obstet 2008; 280:127-9. [DOI: 10.1007/s00404-008-0857-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2008] [Accepted: 11/17/2008] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
|
20
|
|
21
|
Affiliation(s)
- Aidan O'Shea
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
22
|
Tramoni G, Boisson C, Gamerre L, Clement HJ, Bon C, Rudigoz RC, Viale JP. [Amniotic fluid embolism: a review]. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2006; 25:599-604. [PMID: 16630704 DOI: 10.1016/j.annfar.2006.02.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Amniotic fluid embolism occurs rarely but is a leading cause of maternal mortality. It is a difficult and somewhat intangible diagnosis that warrants a high index of suspicion by physicians. AFE is an unpredictable, unpreventable, and, for the most part, an untreatable obstetric emergency. Management of this condition includes prompt recognition of the signs and symptoms, aggressive resuscitation efforts, and supportive therapy. Any delays in diagnosis and treatment can result in increased maternal and/or foetal impairment or death. Whereas once the invariable outcome of AFE was death of the mother, today the prognosis is somewhat brighter thanks to increased awareness of the syndrome and advances in intensive care medicine. No laboratory test is specific to attest the diagnosis and autopsy must to be realised in case of maternal death. Although non-specific, the diagnosis of AFE could be supported by the observation of amniotic fluid in the central venous blood as well as in the bronchoalveolar fluid. This easy and quick test will be helpful in decision-making. Prompt and aggressive supportive treatment is required to lessen an otherwise dismal outcome, which may include death and permanent disability. This article provides an account of the protean clinical features, pathogenesis, and principles involved in treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- G Tramoni
- Département d'Anesthésie-Réanimation, Hôpital de la Croix-Rousse, 103 Grande rue de la Croix-Rousse, 69317 Lyon cedex 04, France.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|