Analysis of maternal deaths caused by amniotic fluid embolism from 1996 to 2010 in Beijing

Objective To identify the risk factors and preventions of maternal death caused by amniotic fluid embolism (AFE).Methods Retrospective analysis was used to analyze clinical data of maternal deaths from 1996 to 2010 in Beijing.Results In the past 15 years, maternal death caused by AFE was accounting for 19.20% of the total maternal death in Beijing. AFE was the first cause of maternal death. Average mortality of maternal death caused by AFE was 3.99 per 100 000. Compared with the first two stages, the average mortality of maternal death caused by AFE was significantly decreased from 2006 to 2010. The top five reasons of AFE were using oxytocin, premature rupture of membrane, pluripara, elderly parturient and cesarean-section.Conclusions During the past 15 years, the maternal death caused by AFE is decreased overall, however, it is still the first cause of maternal death. Stricting oxytocin usage, reducing intervention during delivery and standardizing prenatal examinations are important measurements to decrease maternal mortality caused by AFE.