Challenges in managing amniotic fluid embolism: an up-to-date perspective on diagnostic testing with focus on novel biomarkers and avenues for future research.

Amniotic fluid embolism (AFE) continues to pose a formidable clinical challenge with its high rate of morbidity and mortality. A novel biomarker that acts as an early warning system for the clinician would be a welcomed addition to our medical armamentarium. Here we review the state of diagnosing AFE with our current methods of evaluation and testing along with recently discovered potential biomarkers that may be clinically efficacious. Additionally we explore the future of proteomics, lipidomics, and transcriptomics as tools to identify potential novel signaling pathways and biomarkers.