Amniotic Fluid Embolism - A Survival Story

Abstract

Introduction and objective: Amniotic fluid embolism is an obstetric catastrophe which occurs in 1 in 8000-80,000 deliveries and carries 80% mortality even in developed countries. It is postulated that amniotic fluid, fetal cells, hair, or other debris enter the ma- ternal circulation, and causes cardio respiratory collapse. A case of amniotic fluid embolism with successful recovery is described in this case report

Case report: There was sudden hypotension and tachycardia 10 minutes after the delivery of the baby and uterine atony followed 2 minutes later. Coagulopathy also set in while the uterus was being closed 20 minutes after the delivery of the baby, which was proven by the lab parameters. The survival of the patient is due to the immediate measures taken to correct the hypotension metabolic acidosis, coagulation abnormalities replacement of necessary blood products

Discussion: Strong clinical suspicion of amniotic fluid embolism and team work of the Anesthetists, Obstetricians, Intensivists and the blood bank officers with all the supportive staff helped in the survival

Conclusion: Good antenatal care, institutional delivery, strong instinct for diag- nosis and prompt supportive measures are the key factors in bringing down the mortality rate.