Closing the gap between decision and delivery--amniotic fluid embolism with severe cardiopulmonary and haemostatic complications with a good outcome

Resuscitation. 2007 Aug;74(2):377-81. doi: 10.1016/j.resuscitation.2007.01.007. Epub 2007 Mar 26.

Abstract

Perimortem caesarean section is very rare, mostly resulting in high mortality of mother and/or fetus. We report a case of successful resuscitation of both mother and newborn following maternal cardiac arrest prior to delivery. Postoperative outcome was complicated by severe bleeding and coagulopathy following fibrinolysis and subcapsular hepatic haematoma. We consider a fast reaction time based on a special in-hospital emergency team for immediate caesarean section and an aggressive management of coagulopathy as major factors that led to both patients recovery without neurological sequelae.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation*
  • Cesarean Section*
  • Embolism, Amniotic Fluid*
  • Emergencies
  • Female
  • Heart Arrest / etiology*
  • Heart Arrest / therapy*
  • Humans
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications, Cardiovascular / etiology*
  • Pregnancy Complications, Cardiovascular / therapy*
  • Pregnancy Outcome