An evaluation of the ability of leucocyte depletion filters to remove components of amniotic fluid*

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Abstract
Summary: Haemorrhage remains an important cause of maternal mortality worldwide. Cell salvage carries a theoretical risk of amniotic fluid embolus syndrome and is too expensive for use in many parts of the world. To explore cheaper options, we investigated whether a leucocyte depletion filter alone removes components of pure amniotic fluid. Amniotic fluid was collected from 10 women during elective caesarean section and passed through a LeukoGuard ® RS filter. Pre‐ and post‐filtration samples were compared in the laboratory. Lamellar bodies and fetal squames were almost completely removed (filtration efficacy 96.6% and 99.9%, respectively; p < 0.0001 and <0.0004), and hair was completely removed (p = 0.002). Filtration had no effect on concentrations of α‐fetoprotein, tissue factor or endothelin‐1, or on the presence of meconium or vernix. Additional work is required to evaluate whether cell salvage using filtration alone may be useful in maternal haemorrhage in the developing world.

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