Abstract
Amniotic fluid embolism (AFE) is infrequent in pregnancy or the postpartum, but the consequences can be devastating for both the mother and the fetus. We report the case of a 35-year-old primipara with sudden cardiac arrest during labor. Advanced cardiopulmonary resuscitation and peri-mortem cesarean section were performed. The clinical course was poor with multiple cardiovascular complications and severe coagulopathy, requiring hysterectomy. The patient died at 8 days and the neonate at 5 days. According to the most recent broad population-based studies, the incidence of AFE is between 1/15000 and 1/50000 childbirths, with mortality that is classically around 60-80%. Treatment is largely based on support measures and symptomatic treatment. The principal complications are hemorrhagic, cardiovascular and respiratory. Advanced life support measures should be started as soon as possible, aiming to maintain oxygen supply and circulation and arrest coagulopathy.
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