DEFIBRINATION SYNDROME IN A NEWBORN, AND ITS TREATMENT WITH EXCHANGE TRANSFUSION

Abstract

Summary A male infant was born asphyxiated, but after few minutes of artificial respiration, spontaneous breathing was established. During the next few hours he developed a severe bleeding tendency with signs of intracranial hemorrhage. In the palms of the hands and soles of the feet there were symmetrical large ecchymoses with a sharp border to normal skin. Coagulation studies showed the characteristics of a defibrination syndrome. He was treated with one exchange transfusion of heparinised blood, and corticosteroids for one week. After the exchange transfusion a rapid and marked improvement was noted. He was followed up during his first year of life, and the development has been quite normal. No permanent disabilities have been found. It is possible that asphyxia was the trigger mechanism for the defibrination syndrome in this case. Early recognition of the acute defibrination syndrome and immediate start of therapy may be lifesaving.