Intravascular hemolysis: a complication of midtrimester abortion: a report of two cases.

Intravascular hemolysis occurred twice in a series of 1582 consecutive intraamniotic midtrimester saline abortions. The hemolysis was associated with consumption coagulopathy and acute renal failure. Both patients made a complete recovery after a prolonged hospital stay; one required peritoneal dialysis. The pathogenesis of this serious complication of saline abortion is discussed but no satisfactory explanation has been reached.