Severe Postpartum Coagulopathy Without Haemorrhage: A Case Report

• Main Author: Lérias-Cambeiro, Muriel
• Publication Date: 2018
• Other Authors: Rodrigues, Anabela, Taborda, Inês, Lança, Filipa
• Format: Article
• Language: eng
• Source: Repositórios Científicos de Acesso Aberto de Portugal (RCAAP)
• Download full: https://www.actamedicaportuguesa.com/revista/index.php/amp/article/view/9795
• topic: Blood Coagulation Disorders; Blood Transfusion; Postpartum Hemorrhage; Thrombelastography; Hemorragia Pós-Parto; Transfusão de Sangue; Transtornos da Coagulação Sanguínea; Tromboelastografia

Postpartum haemorrhage is an important health issue worldwide, and it can be caused by uterine atony, retained placental tissue, trauma or coagulation disorders. Although coagulopathy represents a rare cause, it is a significant contributor to postpartum haemorrhage with poor outcomes. Associated with high morbidity and mortality rates, postpartum haemorrhage demands prevention, prompt diagnosis and effective management. We describe a unique case of severe coagulopathy caused by underestimated blood loss during caesarean section without postpartum bleeding, in which transfusion requirements were thromboelastometry-guided. This case report depicts how an early multidisciplinary approach and patient-centred care in an obstetric emergency contributes to a positive outcome from a challenging situation, enabling the prevention of an imminent, catastrophic haemorrhage.