[Last updates about amniotic fluid embolism and a case report]

Abstract

Amniotic fluid embolism (AFE) is a rare complication of pregnancy, which, in France, is the second leading cause of maternal mortality. It results from the passage of amniotic fluid into the maternal circulation, but mechanisms leading to clinical signs are not yet clearly identified. After a literature review, we report on the case of a 34 years old patient occurred during labor. Laboratory tests were performed during acute phase to diagnose coagulopathy and to monitor vital parameters. Further laboratory tests were conducted to support the diagnosis: cytology, study of insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 1, tryptase and alpha-foetoprotein. Performances and place of these laboratory tests must be precised as no specific test can attest the diagnosis.

Keywords: alpha-foetoprotein; amniotic fluid embolism; insulin-like growth factor binding protein-1; pregnancy; tryptase.