American journal of obstetrics and gynecology
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Am. J. Obstet. Gynecol. · Oct 2005
Case ReportsThe syndrome of amniotic fluid embolism: a potential contribution of bradykinin.
Amniotic fluid embolism is a potentially fatal complication of pregnancy; although several hypotheses have been formulated, the pathophysiology of this condition is not well known. An exaggerated release of bradykinin, which is activated by products of the amniotic fluid that enter the maternal circulation, could explain the symptoms that are present in amniotic fluid embolism. The objective of this study was to assess whether bradykinin is involved in amniotic fluid embolism. ⋯ This study suggests a potential role for bradykinin release in the pathophysiology of amniotic fluid embolism.