Amniotic fluid embolism - Rare but life-threatening. A description of two cases

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Netharland Journal of Critical Care

2008, Volume 12, Issue 3 : 126-129

Article

Amniotic fluid embolism - Rare but life-threatening. A description of two cases

Kodan L.

Petjak M.

Janssen C.A.H.

van Huisseling J.C.M.

Abstract

Amniotic fluid embolism syndrome (AFES) is a rare but life-threatening condition which occurs during delivery or shortly thereafter. It is a complex syndrome with an acute onset. The maternal and fetal mortality rate is high. Many survivors, mother and baby likewise, suffer from irreversible neurological sequelae. During one year we saw two cases of AFES in our hospital. Initially, more common pregnancy related disorders were diagnosed: eclampsia and pulmonary embolism, respectively. After exclusion of these diseases the diagnosis AFES was made. We report these cases because the mothers as well as their babies survived without permanent neurological damage. These favourable courses are in line with reports of better survival nowadays due to earlier recognition and better (intensive) care, part of it being a structured approach according to the principles of ATLS and MOET, respectively. Copyright © 2008, Nederlandse Vereniging voor Intensive Care. All Rights Reserved.

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