Abstract
Thrombotic microangiopathies may be initiated by a number of antecedent events. When presented with postpartum hemorrhage and unexplained thrombocytopenia, it is prudent to consider microangiopathic hemolytic anemia in the differential diagnosis. A 25-year-old woman, gravida 2, para 1, had an uncomplicated repeat Cesarean delivery at 38 weeks' gestation. She subsequently had an exploratory laparotomy for hemoperitoneum resulting from a left uterine artery laceration. On postoperative day 3, she developed thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura-hemolytic uremic syndrome and was treated with plasma exchange therapy and dialysis. It is critical that clinicians consider this potentially fatal disease in the differential diagnosis when hemorrhagic shock is associated with unexplained thrombocytopenia, so that appropriate and early treatment may lead to a favorable outcome.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 208-210 |
Number of pages | 3 |
Journal | Journal of Maternal-Fetal and Neonatal Medicine |
Volume | 13 |
Issue number | 3 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Mar 1 2003 |
Keywords
- Cesarean section
- Hemolytic anemia
- Hemorrhage
- Shock
- Thrombotic microangiopathy
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health
- Obstetrics and Gynecology