Amniotic fluid embolism (AFE) is a rare and life-threatening complication related to pregnancy. Early diagnosis and prompt intervention are important tools for the survival of the patient. Despite early intervention, mortality rate remains high. We present a case of a 19-year-old female who was admitted for labor induction and delivery. Her delivery course was complicated by meconium-stained amniotic fluid. The patient went into acute hypoxic respiratory failure (AHRF) and hemodynamic compromise within half an hour following delivery secondary to AFE. We hereby discuss the role of timely initiation of extra corporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) in a case of AFE which could have otherwise turned out to be fatal.
Keywords: acute respiratory distress syndrome; amniotic fluid embolism; extra corporeal membrane oxygenation; hypoxic respiratory failure; labor and delivery; right ventricular failure.
Copyright © 2021, Durgam et al.