Amniotic fluid embolism (AFE)

Amniotic fluid embolism (AFE) is a rare and catastrophic condition unique to pregnancy. The true incidence of AFE is unknown since it is a diagnosis of exclusion, often made postmortem. U.S. estimates range from 4 to 6 per 100,000 live births with mortality rates as high as 80%, usually occurring within the first hours of onset. Permanent neurologic dysfunction affects up to 75% of survivors.