[Analysis of 29 maternal deaths caused by amniotic fluid embolism]

Twenty nine maternal deaths caused by amniotic fluid embolism (AFE) during 1989-1993 in Beijing area were reviewed. The results show that the average maternal mortality ratio due to AFE was 5.9/100,000 live births responsible for 15.5% of total maternal deaths. In 13 of the 29 patients presented the clinical signs were of postpartum hemorrhage and coagulation disorders. Oxytocics had been used in 12 of the 29 cases during labor. In more than half of the patients there was delay in diagnosis. This was that the percentage of AFE which may present with the signs of coagulation disorder was higher than previously thought, and unreasonable use of oxytocics during labor may be associated with AFE. This kind of AFE is easy to misdiagnose.