There has been much debate about the use of cell salvage in the obstetric patient because of potential complications associated with fetal contamination and possible amniotic fluid embolism. This report outlines why the use of a leukodepletion filter (LDF), which may help avoid fetal contamination, may lead to yet another adverse event. The hypotension associated with LDF use has been well documented with allogeneic blood. This article highlights the potential problem but also outlines the transient nature of the hypotension. Interested readers should read the article by Iwama in the Journal of Critical Care (2001;16:74-81) in addition to this case report.

– Dafydd Thomas