Amniotic fluid embolus

Pathophysiology

1. release of amn fluid to maternal vessels during intense ut contractions or manipulation or at areas of placental separation.
2. most common during labor
3. leading cause of death during induced abortions
4. can also be spontaneous or blunt trauma with abruption
5. also post amniocentesis

Diagnosis

1. 2 or 3 trimester
2. ut contraction or manipulation
3. sudden hypotension, hypoxia, or coagulopathy
4. triggers immunological response
5. death by vasospasm, release of vasoactive substances, mechanical plugging of mat pulm vasc tree
6. get ARDS and L vent dysfnctn
7. fetal hair, squamous epithelial cells and debris in mat circulation

Source

7/09 PANI