Amniotic Embolism
Incidence
- Rare, 1:30,000, 6% of all maternal deaths
- Mortality rate >85%
- Post-mortem diagnosis by meconium in the maternal lungs or
right side of the heart
- Due to premature placental separation
- Predisposed by tumultuous contractions with rupture of membranes
Clinical
- Sudden respiratory then cardiac arrest
- Unresolving cyanosis
Management
- Only possible if diagnosis suspected
- 100% O2, intubate, CPR
- Bloods, CVP
- Aspirate blood from right side of heart senior staff)
- Manage coagulopathy (platelets, FFP)
- Cephradine, Metronidazole
Content by Dr Íomhar O' Sullivan 23/06/2000. Reviewed by Dr ÍOS 12/12/2003, 12/12/2004, 01/05/2005, 30/03/2007. Last review Dr ÍOS 23/04/22.