The use of therapeutic hypothermia in the management of amniotic fluid embolism

Background: Amniotic fluid embolism (AFE) is a rare peripartum obstetric emergency where patients seldom survive neurologically intact. The exact pathophysiology is not completely understood and treatment remains mainly supportive. Case: A 34-year-old African American woman gravida 1, para 0-0-0-0 at 38 weeks and four days induced for chronic hypertension with superimposed preeclampsia experienced an AFE during labour. Supportive treatment included early use of therapeutic hypothermia resulting in a normal neurological outcome. Conclusion: This case demonstrates the timely use of therapeutic hypothermia in a patient surviving an AFE and suffering no neurological sequelae. Therapeutic hypothermia should be considered in the supportive treatment of AFE.