Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation in an Infant Born after Abruptio Placentae

ABSTRACT

Premature separation of the placenta(abruptio placentae), as a serious obstetric complication, has been recognized to be associated with disseminated intravascular coagulation(DIC) in the newborn period. However, pathologic evidence for DIC generally has been lacking or rarely reported. Recently we have experienced one case of DIC in an infant born after abruptio placentae. The infant had suffered from cyanosis, dyspnea and convulsion. The peripheral blood smear of this infant revealed severe thrombocytopenia, but there was no evidence of external bleeding. At autopsy widespread hyaline thrombi were observed in the small vessels and capillaries of the brain and liver. The brain showed diffuse cortical and subcortical white matter necrosis associated with hemorrhage. Bilateral symmetrical necrosis of the thalamus was also seen. Massive fresh hemorrhage was present in the endometrium and myometrium. We considered tha tthe above findings were consistent with DIC. Pertinent literatures on neonatal DIC are also reviewed briefly.