Amniotic fluid embolism

Hyperstimulation of the uterus during labor may lead to uterine Many with marked impairment of the uteroplacental blood flow, uterine rupture, cervical rupture, amniotic fluid embolism, and trauma to the infant. Overstimulation of the uterus is dangerousto both the fetusand the mother and may occur even when the drug is administered properly in a uterus that is hypersensitive to oxytocin. 

Pulmonary embolism Amniotic fluid embolism Tumor embolism... 

Labor and delivery - Misoprostol can induce or augment uterine contractions. A major adverse effect of the obstetrical use of misoprostol is hyperstimulation of the uterus, which may progress to uterine tetany with marked impairment of uteroplacental blood flow, uterine rupture (requiring surgical repair, hysterectomy, and/or salpingo-oophorectomy), or amniotic fluid embolism. 

A case of an amniotic fluid embolism causing a maternal cardiorespiratory arrest was temporally associated with ingestion of castor oil by a woman at week 40 of gestation, although causality could not be determined (Steingrub et al. 1988). 

Steingrub, J.S., T. Lopez, D. Teres, and R. Steingart. 1988. Amniotic fluid embolism associated with castor oil ingestion. Crit. Care Med. 16(6) 642-643. 

One of the most catastrophic accidents occurring after delivery is DIG related to amniotic fluid embolism (AFE). This condition manifests with an acute onset of respiratory failure, circulatory collapse, shock, and thrombohemorrhagic syndrome. In the United States, DIG accounts for about 10% of all maternal deaths. Exaggerated uterine contraction caused by oxytocin, caesarean section, uterine rupture or premature separation of the placenta are risk factors for AFE. Pathophysiology of AFE may be related to lacerations on the membrane from the placenta that provides a portal entry for amniotic fluid into the maternal venous sinuses in the uterus [16]. 

Sperry K (1986) Amniotic fluid embolism to understand enigma. JAMA 255 2183... 

Excludes deaths from pulmonary or amniotic fluid embolism, acute fatty liver of pregnancy or cardiomyopathy. 

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