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Amniotic Fluid Embolism and Pulmonary Embolism

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Principles of Critical Care in Obstetrics

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Abstract

Amniotic fluid embolism is a rare but potentially catastrophic condition. It occurs in response to amniotic fluid containing vernix and other solids entering the maternal circulation. Majority of the amniotic fluid occurs during labor. Maternal mortality and morbidity is high. It is the second most common cause of maternal death in developed countries. The commonest presentation of this condition is hypotension, respiratory distress, and coagulation failure. Most of the pregnant women will have cardiopulmonary arrest within first few minutes. Essential steps in the management include maintenance of oxygen, correction of hypotension, and treatment of coagulation failure.

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Abbreviations

ABG:

Arterial blood gas analysis

AFE:

Amniotic fluid embolism

ARDS:

Adult respiratory distress syndrome

CBC:

Complete blood count

CTPA:

Cardiothoracic pulmonary angiography

CXR:

Chest X-ray

DIC:

Disseminated intravascular coagulation

FFP:

Fresh frozen plasma

HDU:

High dependency unit

PE:

Pulmonary embolism

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Obstetrics & Gynaecology Department, GMERS Medical College, Sola, Ahmedabad, India

    Nidhi Patel & Ajesh Desai

Authors
  1. Nidhi Patel
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  2. Ajesh Desai
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Correspondence to Ajesh Desai .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Arihant Women’s Hospital, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India

    Alpesh Gandhi

  2. Global Rainbow Healthcare, Agra, India

    Narendra Malhotra

  3. Art Rainbow-IVF, Agra, India

    Jaideep Malhotra

  4. Obsetrics and Gynecology, SN Medical College, Agra, India

    Nidhi Gupta

  5. Bharti Vidya Peethmedical College, Pune, India

    Neharika Malhotra Bora

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Patel, N., Desai, A. (2016). Amniotic Fluid Embolism and Pulmonary Embolism. In: Gandhi, A., Malhotra, N., Malhotra, J., Gupta, N., Bora, N. (eds) Principles of Critical Care in Obstetrics. Springer, New Delhi. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-81-322-2692-5_29

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-81-322-2692-5_29

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  • Online ISBN: 978-81-322-2692-5

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