SUCCESSFUL RESUSCITATION OF AN OBSTETRIC PATIENT WITH SUSPECTED AMNIOTIC FLUID EMBOLISM

We describe the successful resuscitation of a parturient who developed cardiovascular collapse immediately after cesarean delivery most likely due to amniotic fluid embolism, based on the clinical presentation and later confirmed by exclusion. Aggressive therapy was instituted right away including early administration of vasopressin. Care continued in a critical care setting and she recovered completely. Amniotic fluid embolism (AFE) is a rare, but potentially life-threatening complication of obstetric patients. Mortality remains high, despite improvements in diagnosis, monitoring and treatment. This report describes sudden development of dyspnea, coagulopathy and cardiovascular collapse in a young woman shortly after delivery of a healthy baby. Based on a high index of suspicion, therapy was instituted immediately with successful results.