1
|
Oda T, Tamura N, Yata D, Oda-Kishimoto A, Itoh T, Kubota N, Suzuki Y, Kanayama N, Itoh H. A Case of Consumptive Coagulopathy Before Cardiopulmonary Failure in Amniotic Fluid Embolism and Review of Literature: A Perspective of the Latent Onset and Progression of Coagulopathy. Cureus 2024; 16:e55961. [PMID: 38601376 PMCID: PMC11004845 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.55961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Amniotic fluid embolism (AFE) induces cardiopulmonary insufficiency with consumptive coagulopathy. Previous studies reported that refractory coagulopathy has already advanced at the onset of maternal cardiovascular and/or respiratory symptoms. However, when the consumption of coagulation factors starts during the clinical course, AFE remains to be elucidated. We report an intrapartum AFE case of consumptive coagulopathy before dyspnea with hypotension developing during urgent cesarean delivery that was revealed by non-reassuring fetal heart rate tracing. The patient, a 42-year-old multiparous parturient, underwent induced labor after a premature rupture of membranes in week 39 of pregnancy. Coagulation screening was initially within the normal range. Fetal heart rate monitoring demonstrated bradycardia coincided with uterine tachysystole after three hours, which required urgent cesarean section with preoperative blood screening. The hemoglobin level was maintained at 129 g/L; however, the fibrinogen value reduced to 1.79 g/L with D-dimer elevation over 60 µg/mL. Ninety minutes later, she developed dyspnea with hypotension at suturing hysterotomy. At the end of surgery, her fibrinogen further decreased to below 0.3 g/L with prolonged prothrombin time. After vigorous intensive care, she was discharged without sequelae. Consumptive coagulopathy may initiate and progress before apparent cardiopulmonary symptoms in some AFE cases. Non-reassuring fetal heart rate tracing concomitant with abrupt uterine tachysystole and/or hypertonus may be an earlier time point for the detection and intervention of AFE-related coagulopathy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tomoaki Oda
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, JPN
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fuji City General Hospital, Fuji, JPN
| | - Naoaki Tamura
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, JPN
| | - Daisuke Yata
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fuji City General Hospital, Fuji, JPN
| | - Ayako Oda-Kishimoto
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fuji City General Hospital, Fuji, JPN
| | - Toshiya Itoh
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, JPN
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fuji City General Hospital, Fuji, JPN
| | - Naohiro Kubota
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fuji City General Hospital, Fuji, JPN
| | - Yasuyuki Suzuki
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fuji City General Hospital, Fuji, JPN
| | - Naohiro Kanayama
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, JPN
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fuji City General Hospital, Fuji, JPN
| | - Hiroaki Itoh
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, JPN
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Young BK, Florine Magdelijns P, Chervenak JL, Chan M. Amniotic fluid embolism: a reappraisal. J Perinat Med 2024; 52:126-135. [PMID: 38082418 DOI: 10.1515/jpm-2023-0365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Using cases from our own experience and from the published literature on amniotic fluid embolism (AFE), we seek to improve on existing criteria for diagnosis and discern associated risk factors. Additionally, we propose a novel theory of pathophysiology. METHODS This retrospective case review includes eight cases of AFE from two hospital systems and 21 from the published literature. All cases were evaluated using the modified criteria for research reporting of AFE by Clark et al. in Am J Obstet Gynecol, 2016;215:408-12 as well as our proposed criteria for diagnosis. Additional clinical and demographic characteristics potentially correlated with a risk of AFE were included and analyzed using descriptive analysis. RESULTS The incidence of AFE was 2.9 per 100,000 births, with five maternal deaths in 29 cases (17.2 %) in our series. None of the cases met Clark's criteria while all met our criteria. 62.1 % of patients were over the age of 32 years and two out of 29 women (6.9 %) conceived through in-vitro fertilization. 6.5 % of cases were complicated by fetal death. Placenta previa occurred in 13.8 %. 86.2 % of women had cesarean sections of which 52.0 % had no acute maternal indication. CONCLUSIONS Our criteria identify more patients with AFE than others with a low likelihood of false positives. Clinical and demographic associations in our review are consistent with those previously reported. A possible relationship between cesarean birth and risk of AFE was identified using our criteria. Additionally, we propose a new hypothesis of pathophysiology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bruce K Young
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York City, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, NYU Langone Medical Center, New York City, USA
| | | | - Judith L Chervenak
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Bellevue Medical Center, New York City, USA
| | - Michael Chan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, NYU Langone Medical Center, New York City, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Lucia M, Viviana M, Alba C, Giulia D, Carlo DR, Grazia PM, Luca T, Federica VM, Immacolata VA, Grazia PM. Neurological Complications in Pregnancy and the Puerperium: Methodology for a Clinical Diagnosis. J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12082994. [PMID: 37109329 PMCID: PMC10141482 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12082994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2023] [Revised: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurological complications in pregnancy and the puerperium deserve particular attention from specialists due to the worsening of the clinical picture for both the mother and the fetus. This narrative review of existing data in the literature aims to analyze the most common "red flag symptoms" attributable to neurological complications such as pre-eclampsia (PE), eclampsia, HELLP syndrome, posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES), cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS), stroke, CVS thrombosis, pituitary apoplexy, amniotic fluid embolism and cerebral aneurysm rupture, with the aim of providing a rapid diagnostic algorithm useful for the early diagnosis and treatment of these complications. The data were derived through the use of PubMed. The results and conclusions of our review are that neurological complications of a vascular nature in pregnancy and the puerperium are conditions that are often difficult to diagnose and manage clinically. For the obstetrics specialist who is faced with these situations, it is always important to have a guide in mind in order to be able to unravel the difficulties of clinical reasoning and promptly arrive at a diagnostic hypothesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Merlino Lucia
- Department of Maternal, Infantile and Urological Sciences, University of Rome La Sapienza, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Matys Viviana
- Department of Maternal, Infantile and Urological Sciences, University of Rome La Sapienza, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Crognale Alba
- Department of Maternal, Infantile and Urological Sciences, University of Rome La Sapienza, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - D'Ovidio Giulia
- Department of Maternal, Infantile and Urological Sciences, University of Rome La Sapienza, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Della Rocca Carlo
- Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Sapienza University, 04100 Latina, Italy
| | - Porpora Maria Grazia
- Department of Maternal, Infantile and Urological Sciences, University of Rome La Sapienza, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Titi Luca
- Department of Anesthesia and Intensive Care Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Viscardi Maria Federica
- Department of Maternal, Infantile and Urological Sciences, University of Rome La Sapienza, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Volpicelli Agnese Immacolata
- Department of Maternal, Infantile and Urological Sciences, University of Rome La Sapienza, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Piccioni Maria Grazia
- Department of Maternal, Infantile and Urological Sciences, University of Rome La Sapienza, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Wiseman D, Simard C, Yang SS, Koolian M, Abenhaim HA, Lipes J. Echocardiography findings in amniotic fluid embolism: a systematic review of the literature. Can J Anaesth 2023; 70:151-160. [PMID: 36307749 DOI: 10.1007/s12630-022-02343-9] [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: 05/17/2022] [Revised: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Amniotic fluid embolism (AFE) is a leading cause of obstetrical cardiac arrest and maternal morbidity. The pathogenesis of hemodynamic collapse is thought to be from right ventricular (RV) failure; however, there is a paucity of data documenting echocardiography findings in this population. We undertook a systematic review of the literature to evaluate the echocardiography findings in patients with AFE. SOURCES We retrieved all case reports and case series reporting AFE in Embase and MEDLINE from inception to 20 November 2021. Studies reporting AFE diagnosed by fulfilling at least one of three different proposed AFE criteria and echocardiography findings during hospitalization were included. Patient and echocardiographic data were retrieved, and univariate logistic regression analysis was performed for outcomes of interest. Bias was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute clinical appraisal tool for case series. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Eighty publications reporting on 84 patients were included in the final review. Fifty-five out of 82 patients with data (67%) showed RV dysfunction, including 11/82 (13%) with biventricular dysfunction; 14/82 (17%) had normal systolic function. No data on RV or left ventricular function were reported for two patients. The presence of RV dysfunction on echocardiography was associated with cardiac arrest (odds ratio [OR], 3.66; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.39 to 9.67; P = 0.009), and a composite risk of cardiac arrest, maternal death or use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (OR, 3.86; 95% CI, 1.43 to 10.4; P = 0.007). A low risk of bias was observed in 15/84 (18%) cases. CONCLUSIONS Right ventricular dysfunction on echocardiography is a common finding in AFE and is associated with a high risk of cardiac arrest. The finding of RV dysfunction on echocardiography may help diagnose AFE and help triage the highest risk patients with AFE. STUDY REGISTRATION PROSPERO (CRD42021271323); registered 1 September 2021.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Wiseman
- Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Camille Simard
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Stephen S Yang
- Department of Anesthesia, Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Division of Critical Care, Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Maral Koolian
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Haim A Abenhaim
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Jed Lipes
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.
- Division of Critical Care, Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Knapp C, Bhatia K. Maternal collapse in pregnancy. Br J Hosp Med (Lond) 2022; 83:1-12. [PMID: 36594762 DOI: 10.12968/hmed.2022.0259] [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: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Maternal collapse is a rare life-threatening event that can occur at any stage of pregnancy or up to 6 weeks postpartum. Prompt identification and timely intervention by a multidisciplinary team that includes an obstetrician, midwifery staff and an obstetric anaesthetist are essential to improve maternal and fetal outcomes. Standard adult resuscitation guidelines need to be followed with some modifications, taking into account the maternal-fetal physiology, which clinicians should be familiar with. During cardiac arrest, the emphasis is on advanced airway management, manual uterine displacement to relieve aortocaval compression and performing a resuscitative hysterotomy (peri-mortem caesarean delivery) swiftly in patients who are more than 20 weeks gestation to improve maternal survival. Annual multidisciplinary simulation training is recommended for all professionals involved in maternity care; this can improve teamwork, communication and emergency preparedness during maternal collapse.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C Knapp
- North West School of Anaesthesia, Health Education England North West, Manchester, UK
| | - K Bhatia
- Department of Anaesthesia, St Mary's Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Easter SR, Hameed AB, Shamshirsaz A, Fox K, Zelop CM. Point of care maternal ultrasound in obstetrics. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2022; 228:509.e1-509.e13. [PMID: 36183775 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2022.09.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Revised: 09/24/2022] [Accepted: 09/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Ultrasound is the hallmark imaging modality traditionally used by obstetricians for fetal diagnosis and surveillance. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the role of point of care ultrasound for expeditious assessment of the maternal cardiopulmonary status. The familiarity of obstetricians with ultrasound, coupled with the availability of ultrasound equipment without the need to transport the patient, make point of care ultrasound particularly valuable in the labor and delivery unit. The rising contribution of cardiopulmonary disorders to maternal morbidity and mortality carves out many potential applications for point of care ultrasound during labor and delivery. Obstetricians have access to the technology and the skills to obtain the basic views required to assess for the presence of pulmonary edema, ventricular dysfunction, or intra-abdominal free fluid. Point of care ultrasound can be used routinely for the evaluation of pulmonary complaints or in the assessment of hypotension and may play an essential role in the diagnosis and management of life-threatening emergencies such as shock, an amniotic fluid embolism, or cardiac arrest. We reviewed the currently established point of care ultrasound protocols for the evaluation of cardiopulmonary complaints through the lens of the obstetrician. We call on educators and academic leaders to incorporate maternal point of care ultrasound teachings into existing curricula. Point of care ultrasound is of enormous value for providers with limited access to diagnostic imaging or subspecialty providers. With the growing complexity of the obstetrical population, acquiring the clinical skills to meet these evolving needs is a requisite step in the ongoing efforts to reduce maternal morbidity and mortality.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Rae Easter
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Critical Care Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA.
| | - Afshan B Hameed
- Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine and Cardiology, University of California, Irvine, CA
| | - Amir Shamshirsaz
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Surgical Critical Care, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
| | - Karin Fox
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
| | - Carolyn M Zelop
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Valley Hospital, Ridgewood, NJ; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
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
|
8
|
Phillips AN, Kirkland LL, Wagner WE, Melamed R, Tierney DM. Utilization of point-of-care ultrasound and rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM) in the diagnosis and management of amniotic fluid embolism presenting as post-partum hemorrhage and cardiac arrest. CASE REPORTS IN PERINATAL MEDICINE 2022. [DOI: 10.1515/crpm-2022-0009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Objectives
To describe the integration of point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) and rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM) in the diagnosis and management of cardiac arrest secondary to amniotic fluid embolism (AFE).
Case presentation
A 29-year-old female presented for induction of labor at 39 weeks. Labor was complicated by hemorrhage and subsequent sinus tachycardia pulseless electrical activity (PEA) arrest. Intra-arrest POCUS demonstrated right ventricular dilation and hypokinesis adding to a presumed hemorrhagic arrest etiology. Venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) was initiated at the bedside following the POCUS findings. ROTEM further clarified the etiology of hemorrhage as disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), and in combination with the POCUS findings led to a final diagnosis of amniotic fluid embolism with DIC. The patient was maintained on VA-ECMO without heparin in the setting of DIC. She had a complicated hospital course but was discharged home with her healthy child and no residual physical or neurologic deficits.
Conclusions
In the absence of more specific testing modalities the utilization of rapidly available POCUS in conjunction with ROTEM can impact clinical decision making of cardiovascular resuscitation in patients during labor and delivery by narrowing the differential between pulmonary embolism and AFE.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Angela N. Phillips
- Department of Graduate Medical Education , Abbott Northwestern Hospital, Allina Health , Minneapolis , MN , USA
| | - Lisa L. Kirkland
- Department of Critical Care , Abbott Northwestern Hospital, Allina Health , Minneapolis , MN , USA
| | - William E. Wagner
- Departments of Maternal Fetal Medicine and Critical Care , Abbott Northwestern Hospital, Allina Health , Minneapolis , MN , USA
| | - Roman Melamed
- Department of Critical Care , Abbott Northwestern Hospital, Allina Health , Minneapolis , MN , USA
| | - David M. Tierney
- Department of Graduate Medical Education , Abbott Northwestern Hospital, Allina Health , Minneapolis , MN , USA
| |
Collapse
|