Intravascular Hemolysis, Thrombocytopenia and Other Hematologic Abnormalities Associated with Severe Toxemia of Pregnancy

Abstract

THE pathogenesis of toxemia of pregnancy is not understood. Recently 3 women in whom eclampsia was associated with intravascular hemolysis, thrombocytopenia and clotting defects were studied. These observations, as well as those reported by others, suggest that such an association may not be rare.1 2 3 4 The significance of these observations in relation to the pathogenesis of the symptoms of at least some patients with toxemia of pregnancy is discussed.Case ReportCase 1. J. K. (U.H. 642–676), a 38-year-old woman (blood Group AB, Rh negative) was admitted to the maternity service on March 18, 1953, when she was 35 weeks pregnant. . . .