Amniotic Fluid Embolism

AFE remains largely unpreventable and unpredictable. The prognosis and mortality of AFE have improved significantly with early recognition of the syndrome and prompt resuscitation. In some cases, death is inevitable despite early and appropriate management. Neonatal survival is reported at 70%. There are no data to support recurrence of AFE with subsequent pregnancies if the woman survives. The pathophysiology still remains obscure and the diagnosis is one of exclusion. Management is supportive although the use of echocardiography to aid in diagnosis and the newer recombinant factor VIIa show some promise in further reducing the mortality and morbidity from AFE.