TY - JOUR
T1 - A rapidly progressive, life-threatening postpartum hemorrhage
T2 - Successful treatment with anti-CD-20 monoclonal antibody
AU - Mei-Dan, Elad
AU - Walfisch, Asnat
AU - Martinowitz, Uri
AU - Hallak, Mordechai
PY - 2009/8/1
Y1 - 2009/8/1
N2 - BACKGROUND: Postpartum hemorrhage may be a life-threatening event and may result from coagulation defects. CASE: We report a case of a multigravida woman who developed rapidly progressive postpartum bleeding as a result of acquired factor VIII inhibitors. Repeated laparotomies and massive transfusions failed to achieve adequate control of bleeding. Laboratory studies revealed a prolonged activated partial thromboplastin time, and the presence of specific inhibitors was soon established. The patient responded only partially to steroids and immunotherapy. Upon administration of rituximab, an anti-CD-20 monoclonal antibody, control of bleeding was achieved. CONCLUSION: Early diagnosis of acquired hemophilia as a rare cause of postpartum hemorrhage is crucial, because specific therapy may be life saving.
AB - BACKGROUND: Postpartum hemorrhage may be a life-threatening event and may result from coagulation defects. CASE: We report a case of a multigravida woman who developed rapidly progressive postpartum bleeding as a result of acquired factor VIII inhibitors. Repeated laparotomies and massive transfusions failed to achieve adequate control of bleeding. Laboratory studies revealed a prolonged activated partial thromboplastin time, and the presence of specific inhibitors was soon established. The patient responded only partially to steroids and immunotherapy. Upon administration of rituximab, an anti-CD-20 monoclonal antibody, control of bleeding was achieved. CONCLUSION: Early diagnosis of acquired hemophilia as a rare cause of postpartum hemorrhage is crucial, because specific therapy may be life saving.
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=68949135201&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1097/AOG.0b013e3181a602c4
DO - 10.1097/AOG.0b013e3181a602c4
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:68949135201
SN - 0029-7844
VL - 114
SP - 417
EP - 419
JO - Obstetrics and Gynecology
JF - Obstetrics and Gynecology
IS - 2 PART 2 SUPPL.
ER -