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Amniotic fluid embolism: Pathophysiology from the perspective of pathology
Author(s) -
Tamura Naoaki,
Farhana Mustari,
Oda Tomoaki,
Itoh Hiroaki,
Kanayama Naohiro
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
journal of obstetrics and gynaecology research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.597
H-Index - 50
eISSN - 1447-0756
pISSN - 1341-8076
DOI - 10.1111/jog.13284
Subject(s) - amniotic fluid embolism , medicine , pathophysiology , coagulopathy , disseminated intravascular coagulation , amniotic fluid , hypoxia (environmental) , intensive care medicine , consumptive coagulopathy , pathology , pregnancy , surgery , fetus , chemistry , genetics , organic chemistry , oxygen , biology
Amniotic fluid embolism (AFE) is recognized as a type of syndrome characterized by the abrupt onset of hypoxia, hypotension, seizures, or disseminated intravascular coagulopathy (DIC), occurring during labor, delivery, or immediately postpartum, caused by the inflow of amniotic components into the maternal circulation. AFE is a rare condition but one of the most serious obstetrical complications, resulting in a high mortality rate among pregnant women. Despite earlier recognition and intensive critical management, we often encounter patients who unfortunately do not recover from the exacerbation of AFE‐related conditions. A major concern is that there are no effective evidence‐based therapies for AFE, because its pathophysiology is still not well understood. This article reviewed AFE, focusing on the pathology and currently proposed pathophysiology.