Amniotic fluid embolism: literature review and an integrated concept of pathomechanism

Mieczysław Uszyński

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DOI: 10.4236/ojog.2011.14034                

Abstract

Literature concerning procoagulant activity of the amniotic fluid and pathomechanism of amniotic fluid embolism (AFE) was surveyed and a new concept of its pathogenesis, called the integrated concept of AFE, was presented. According to this concept, two components of the amniotic fluid are involved: (i) apoptosis-affected amniotic cells showing a special role in the initiation of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) and (ii) leukotrienes (formerly called slow-reacting substances), inducing bronchial and pulmonary vascular smooth muscle contraction. Although each of these components initiates a different pathogenic pathway, they both lead to the formation of a mechanical barrier on blood flow through the lungs (amniotic debris + microemboli) and/or functional barrier (pulmonary vasoconstriction). An old dilemma, concerning indications for heparin therapy in AFE was recalled in the light of the new concept.

Keywords

Amniotic Fluid Embolism; Amniotic Cells, Tissue Factor; Leukotriens; Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation; Pulmonary Vasoconstriction

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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