Amniotic fluid embolism with haemostasis complications: Primary fibrinogenolysis or disseminated intravascular coagulation?

Abstract

Amniotic fluid embolism (AFE) is characterized by the passage of amniotic fluid (AF) into the maternal circulation during or just after childbirth. AFE is a rare disorder occurring in 1/8,000 to 1/80,000 deliveries but with a maternal morbidity ranging from 26% in a recent report to 86% in earlier ones [1-3]. In patients who survive, AFE may affect coagulation resulting in severe bleeding [3, 4]. While disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) is usually seen in such cases, we reported a case of AFE in which the hemostatic abnormalities were compatible with primary fibrinogenolysis rather than with DIC. Copyright © 2003 S. Karger AG, Basel.