Disseminated intravascular coagulation.

Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) is not uncommon in the obstetric patient, but DIC of sufficient severity to be of clinical importance is unusual. Treatment of DIC is directed primarily at its cause. Replacement of depleted blood components with packed red blood cells, fresh frozen plasma, cryoprecipitate, and platelets is sometimes required for treating hemorrhage. Heparin should be used only rarely, and only to help control life-threatening hemorrhage because DIC is refractory to vigorous and adequate blood-component therapy. With careful planning of treatment, adherence to a few general principles, and the combined approach of an obstetrician and a coagulationest, fatalities and major morbidity should be rare.