Clinical cases of an adverse birth outcome of amniotic fluid embolism

Background. Amniotic fluid embolism, or anaphylactoid syndrome of pregnancy, is a formidable pregnancy complication that frequently results in death. The mortality rates amount to as much as 80%. This pathology accounts for 1.2 to 16.5% in the structure of maternal mortality. The risk factors may include age of over 30 years in a parturient woman; multiple pregnancy; overly strong delivery; cesarean section; uterine rupture; cervical tears; premature placental abruption; intrauterine asphyxia; and abdominal trauma. However, even the absence of risk factors does not rule out the possibility of amniotic fluid embolism. Clinical case report. The paper describes two clinical cases of fatal amniotic fluid embolism, which demonstrate the specific features of the course of this complication in the presence and absence of risk factors. Conclusion. Unfortunately, to date there are no clear predictors for amniotic fluid embolism that should alert the obstetricians/gynecologists when managing labor and delivery in any-risk patients.

amniotic fluid embolism, risk factors, maternal mortality