AMNIOTIC-FLUID EMBOLISM AFTER SALINE AMNIOINFUSION - 2 CASES AND REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE

Background: Amnioinfusion is an intrapartum intervention with proven b enefit in certain clinical situations. It is thought to be a safe trea tment with few adverse effects. Cases: Two cases of fatal amniotic flu id (AF) embolism occurred in women who were treated during labor with a saline amnioinfusion. In both cases, amnioinfusion was administered after finding thick meconium staining of the AF. In addition to the am nioinfusion, common factors in these cases and three previously report ed AF embolisms associated with amnioinfusion are the presence of rapi d labor, meconium-stained fluid or both. Conclusions: Amniotic fluid e mbolism is a rare cause of maternal morbidity and mortality. It is not known whether amnioinfusion increases the rate of its occurrence in l aboring patients. No change in clinical practice is warranted on the b asis of these reports; however, future reports must be examined so tha t any common factors can be identified.