Activation contact system (ACS) and tissue factor (TF) in human amniotic fluid: Measurements of ACS components and TF, and some implications on the pathophysiology of amniotic fluid embolism

Abstract

It is believed that the amniotic fluid-derived TF, in the case of amniotic fluid embolism (AFE), contributes to acute disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) and obstetric shock in the mother. However, the role of amniotic fluid-derived contact phase coagulation factors that irrupt into the bloodstream simultaneously with TF is still unknown. Our study objective was to identify and measure the concentrations of CAS components and TF in amniotic fluid.