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Related Concept Videos

Pulmonary Embolism I: Introduction01:29

Pulmonary Embolism I: Introduction

Pulmonary embolism (PE) occurs when a thrombus, fat or air embolus, amniotic fluid, or tumor tissue blocks one or more pulmonary arteries. These blockages originate in the venous system or the right side of the heart.EtiologyPE primarily arises from deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and other hypercoagulable states, such as inherited thrombophilias. Additional etiological factors include venous stasis, commonly seen in obesity, and endothelial injury from surgery and trauma. Less common causes include...
Pulmonary Embolism I: Introduction01:19

Pulmonary Embolism I: Introduction

A blood clot, or thrombus, is a semi-solid mass composed of fibrin, platelets, and red blood cells. When it forms within a vessel, it can obstruct blood flow, known as thrombosis. If part of the clot detaches, it becomes an embolus that can travel and block distant vessels. When this occurs in the pulmonary arteries, it causes a condition known as pulmonary embolism (PE).Origin and ImpactMost often, the embolus originates from a thrombus in the deep veins of the lower limbs, a condition called...
Cerebral Edema ll: Pathophysiology01:22

Cerebral Edema ll: Pathophysiology

Vasogenic edema is a major form of cerebral edema characterized by abnormal accumulation of fluid in the brain’s extracellular space due to disruption of the blood–brain barrier (BBB). The BBB is a specialized structure composed of endothelial cells connected by tight junctions, supported by astrocytic endfeet and a basement membrane. Under normal conditions, it tightly regulates the movement of ions, proteins, and solutes between the bloodstream and brain parenchyma. When this barrier loses...
Cerebral Edema l: Introduction01:19

Cerebral Edema l: Introduction

Cerebral edema is a pathological increase in brain water content that disrupts intracranial pressure regulation and impairs neurological function. Because the cranial vault is rigid, even modest increases in tissue volume can compromise cerebral perfusion, distort neural structures, and initiate secondary injury. Cerebral edema develops through four principal mechanisms: vasogenic, cytotoxic, interstitial, and ionic.Vasogenic EdemaVasogenic edema arises from disruption of the blood–brain...
Pulmonary Edema II: Pathophysiology01:18

Pulmonary Edema II: Pathophysiology

Pulmonary edema is the accumulation of fluid in the interstitial and alveolar spaces of the lungs, impairing gas exchange and oxygen delivery. It may be cardiogenic or noncardiogenic, but both reduce oxygenation and lung compliance.Cardiogenic Pulmonary EdemaCardiogenic edema results from increased hydrostatic pressure in pulmonary capillaries, usually due to left ventricular dysfunction from myocardial infarction, heart failure, or valvular disease. Ineffective cardiac pumping causes blood to...
Pleural Effusion I: Introduction01:25

Pleural Effusion I: Introduction

Pleural effusion is an abnormal fluid accumulation in the pleural cavity, a narrow space between the lungs and the chest wall. It is not a disease per se but rather a symptom or indication of an underlying disease. In normal circumstances, this space contains a small amount of fluid (5 to 15 mL), a lubricant facilitating the non-frictional movement of the pleural surfaces.
There are two main types of pleural effusion: transudative and exudative. They are differentiated using Light's criteria,...

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Modeling Encephalopathy of Prematurity Using Prenatal Hypoxia-ischemia with Intra-amniotic Lipopolysaccharide in Rats
07:36

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Published on: November 20, 2015

Amniotic fluid embolism.

Richard S Gist1, Irene P Stafford, Andrew B Leibowitz

  • 1Department of Anesthesiology, The Mount Sinai Medical Center, One Gustave L Levy Place, New York City, NY 10029-6574, USA.

Anesthesia and Analgesia
|April 18, 2009
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Amniotic fluid embolism (AFE) is a rare pregnancy complication with unknown causes, often presenting with respiratory distress and shock. Early recognition and aggressive management, including novel therapies, are critical for improving maternal and infant outcomes.

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Area of Science:

  • Obstetrics and Gynecology
  • Critical Care Medicine
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Amniotic fluid embolism (AFE) is a rare, catastrophic obstetric complication with high maternal and fetal mortality.
  • The pathophysiology of AFE remains poorly understood, with evolving theories suggesting an immunologic basis over a purely embolic origin.
  • Typical clinical presentation includes sudden onset dyspnea, non-reassuring fetal status, hypotension, seizures, and coagulopathy.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To summarize the current understanding of amniotic fluid embolism (AFE).
  • To highlight the critical importance of early recognition and diagnosis of AFE.
  • To review recent advancements in the management of AFE.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of historical and recent studies on amniotic fluid embolism (AFE).
  • Analysis of clinical presentations, diagnostic challenges, and pathophysiological theories.
  • Evaluation of novel therapeutic strategies and their reported outcomes.

Main Results:

  • Despite intensive resuscitation, outcomes for both mother and infant remain frequently poor.
  • Recent case reports demonstrate successful management of AFE using advanced interventions.
  • Aggressive management strategies include recombinant factor VIIa, ventricular assist devices, inhaled nitric oxide, cardiopulmonary bypass, and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

Conclusions:

  • Early recognition of amniotic fluid embolism (AFE) is paramount for potentially improving survival rates.
  • Novel and aggressive management strategies, including extracorporeal support and specific pharmacotherapies, show promise in select AFE cases.
  • Further research into the immunologic basis of AFE is warranted to refine understanding and treatment.