Aprotinin in the management of coagulopathy associated with amniotic fluid embolus

Amniotic fluid embolus, also known as anaphylactoid syndrome of pregnancy, is a rare complication of pregnancy. When it occurs, the maternal mortality rate may be as high as 86%, and in survivors, the morbidity rate may be just as high. Hallmark clinical features include maternal cardiovascular collapse with cyanosis, cardiopulmonary arrest, hypotension, hemorrhage associated with disseminated intravascular coagulation, and fetal distress. Management centers on strategies to improve oxygenation, support circulation, and correct the coagulopathy We report the case of a patient who developed amniotic fluid embolus and was effectively managed with aprotinin to control the coagulopathy associated with this devastating complication of pregnancy.