Disseminated fibrin thromboembolism among neonates dying within 48 hours of birth.

Abstract

Eight neonates, dying within 48 hr. of birth, showed disseminated fibrin thromboembolism, a histological condition very similar to 1 form of maternal hypofibrinogenemia. The mothers had more ante-partum and postpartum complications than expected in a series of normal neonates, and more than in a series of stillbirths showing the same condition and reported elsewhere. The condition is not confined to any particular period of gestation, and 1 twin can show the condition while the other does not. The incidence was 8 in 226 neonates dying within 48 hr. of birth (3.5%). Hemorrhagic manifestations may appear about 12 hr. after birth and may be confused with hypoprothrombinemia of the newborn. The infant usually shows some difficulty in establishing respiration at birth.