Abstract
Amniotic fluid embolism (also known as anaphylaxis-like syndrome) is a rare but serious pregnancy complication with high mortality. Presentations may vary from subtle clinical events to sudden cardiac arrest or death.
Amniotic fluidembolism is one of the most common causes of maternal mortality in developed countries. The basic principle is the entry of amniotic fluid and its particles into maternal circulation.
It is hypothesised that these particles trigger an immune-based mechanism. This results in a wide spectrum of clinical symptoms including cardiovascular, respiratory and haematological.
The management of these symptoms requires prompt interdisciplinary co-operation. Mortality of AFE has been decreasing in recent times due to increased quality of intensive care and the inclusion of less severe episodes in the perinatal pathology registries.