Amniotic Fluid Embolism

Overview

4.7 out of 5 (92 Reviews)

Credits

1.50

Pharmacology Credits

0.0

Post-Assessment Questions

8

Start Date

1 Sep 2023

Last Review Date

21 Mar 2026

Expiration Date

31 Aug 2026

Estimated Time To Finish

90 Minutes


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Activity Description

Amniotic fluid embolism (AFE) represents a rare but catastrophic obstetric emergency characterized by abrupt cardiorespiratory collapse and disseminated intravascular coagulation. Often termed the anaphylactoid syndrome of pregnancy, this condition reflects a profound inflammatory and immune-mediated response rather than a true mechanical embolism. In the United States, AFE remains the second leading cause of peripartum maternal death and the primary cause of peripartum cardiac arrest, affecting 2.2 to 7.7 per 100,000 deliveries and contributing to 7.5% of maternal deaths. This course outlines the typical presentation of AFE, which includes sudden hypoxia, hypotension, altered mental status, seizures, and severe coagulopathy, frequently progressing within minutes as its complications, including long-term cardiac, neurologic, renal, and pulmonary sequelae.

This activity reviews the diagnostic criteria, including consensus guidance from the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine, exclusionary diagnoses, and evidence-based resuscitation of AFE. Participants will gain an understanding of coordinated cardiopulmonary resuscitation, hemodynamic optimization, massive transfusion strategies, and timely resuscitative hysterotomy. This activity for healthcare professionals is designed to enhance the learner's competence in identifying AFE, understanding its distinct pathophysiology, recognizing initial clinical indicators, performing the recommended evaluation, coordinating simulation-based preparedness, and implementing an appropriate interprofessional approach when managing this condition to improve maternal and neonatal outcomes.


Target Audience

This activity has been designed to meet the educational needs of physicians, physician associates, nurses, pharmacists, and nurse practitioners.

Learning Objectives

At the conclusion of this activity, the learner will be better able to:

  • Identify the early warning signs associated with amniotic fluid embolism.

  • Differentiate amniotic fluid embolism from other causes of peripartum cardiopulmonary collapse.

  • Implement evidence-based cardiopulmonary resuscitation strategies specific to pregnancy, including preparation for resuscitative hysterotomy.

  • Collaborate in improving care coordination among an interprofessional team to improve outcomes for a patient affected by an amniotic fluid embolism.

Disclosures

StatPearls, LLC requires everyone who influences the content of an educational activity to disclose relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies that have occurred within the past 24 months. Ineligible companies are organizations whose primary business is producing, marketing, selling, re-selling, or distributing healthcare products used by or on patients. All relevant conflict(s) of interest have been mitigated. Hover over contributor names for financial disclosures. Others involved in planning this educational activity have no relevant financial relationships to disclose.

Commercial Support: This activity has received NO commercial support.

Continuing Education Accreditation Information

In support of improving patient care, StatPearls, LLC is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.

 

Nurse Practitioners: StatPearls designates this activity for 1.50 ANCC contact hour(s), which includes 0 hour(s) of pharmacology. NPs should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Please consult your professional licensing board for information on the applicability and acceptance of continuing education credit for this activity.

Method of Participation and Credit

  1. Register for the activity.    
  2. Review the target audience, learning objectives, and disclosure information.
  3. Study the educational content of the enduring material.
  4. Choose the best answer to each activity test question. To receive credit and a certificate, you must pass the test questions with a minimum score of 100%.
  5. Complete the post-activity assessment survey.

If you have concerns regarding the CE/CME system, please contact support@statpearls.com.

Disclaimer

This educational activity was planned and produced in accordance with the ACCME Standards for Integrity and Independence in Accredited Continuing Education. Faculty may discuss investigational products or off-label uses of products regulated by the FDA. Readers should verify all information before employing any therapies described in this educational activity.

The information provided for this activity is for continuing education purposes only and is not meant to substitute for the independent medical/clinical judgment of a healthcare provider relative to diagnostic and treatment options of a specific patient’s medical condition. The information presented does not necessarily reflect the views of StatPearls or any commercial supporters of educational activities on statpearls.com. StatPearls expressly disclaims responsibility for any adverse consequences resulting directly or indirectly from information in the course, for undetected error, or through a participant's misunderstanding of the content.

Unapproved Uses of Drugs/Devices: In accordance with FDA requirements, the audience is advised that information presented in this continuing education activity may contain references to unlabeled or unapproved uses of drugs or devices. Please refer to the FDA-approved package insert for each drug/device for full prescribing/utilization information.

Cancellation Policy: Please see the cancellation policy. StatPearls, LLC reserves the right to cancel any course due to unforeseen circumstances.

 

 
 

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Unlimited Nurse Practitioner CE

Stay up to date on the latest medical knowledge with 6280 CE activities. In these online self-assessment activities, read our reference articles and test your knowledge with more than 7492.5 hours of CE.

Single Activity

Take this single activity

$73.50 1 activity

6 Month Unlimited Nurse Practitioner CE

Access to all the Unlimited Nurse Practitioner CE activities in all specialties.

$379 per half year per user

1 Year Unlimited Nurse Practitioner CE

Access to all the Unlimited Nurse Practitioner CE activities in all specialties.

$579 per 1 year per user