Clinical symptoms and management of amniotic fluid embolism - An overview and case report

A case of amniotic fluid embolism during the delivery of an at term pregnancy is reported. The 34-year old primipara with an unremarkable medical history suddenly suffered from a seizure in the second stage of labor. Shortly prior to this event, a prolonged fetal bradycardia was recorded. After forceps delivery a massive postpartum haemorrhage as the result of a consumption coagulopathy occured. Immediate resuscitation with arteficial ventilation improved the condition of mother and child. The substitution of packed red cells and platelets, fresh frozen plasma and other blood derivates was necessary. Mother and child survived without any physical damage or neurological deficit. Because of the clinical pattern we diagnosted an amniotic fluid embolism.