Defibrination in obstetrics. Modern concepts.

Coagulation profiles of serum fibrinogen, factors V and VIII and haemoglobin in normal pregnancies during labour, delivery and the early puerperium are presented. These factors were also studied in patients with abruptio placentae, in intra-uterine death, and in patients whose pregnancies were terminated with intra-amniotic saline and prostaglandin F2alpha. An assessment of fibrinolytic activity in these patients was made using qualitative (euglobulin lysis time) and quantitative (FR-antigen) tests. The coagulation findings presented form a basis for the rational management of defibrination in obstetrics.