Amniotic fluid embolism with haemostasis complications: primary fibrinogenolysis or disseminated intravascular coagulation?

Pathophysiol Haemost Thromb. 2003 May-Jun;33(3):170-1. doi: 10.1159/000077826.

Abstract

Amniotic fluid embolism (AFE) is characterized by the passage of amniotic fluid (AF) into the maternal circulation during or just after childbirth. AFE is a rare disorder occurring in 1/8,000 to 1/80,000 deliveries but with a maternal morbidity ranging from 26% in a recent report to 86% in earlier ones. In patients who survive, AFE may affect coagulation resulting in severe bleeding. While disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) is usually seen in such cases, we reported a case of AFE in which the hemostatic abnormalities were compatible with primary fibrinogenolysis rather than with DIC.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Blood Coagulation Disorders / diagnosis*
  • Blood Coagulation Disorders / etiology
  • Blood Component Transfusion
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation / diagnosis*
  • Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation / etiology
  • Embolism, Amniotic Fluid / blood
  • Embolism, Amniotic Fluid / complications*
  • Embolism, Amniotic Fluid / diagnosis
  • Female
  • Fibrinolysis
  • Hemorrhage / diagnosis
  • Hemorrhage / etiology
  • Hemorrhage / therapy
  • Hemostasis
  • Humans
  • Pregnancy
  • Treatment Outcome