[Hypovolemic shock caused by an increase in capillary permeability after cesarean section].

A 24 year old woman was delivered by caesarean section after an uncomplicated full-term pregnancy. Non-specific prodromes appeared 48 h later, with development of a severe shock. After confirmation of hypovolaemia, attention was focused on the abnormal haematological findings (a sharp drop in serum proteins with a rise in haematocrit) which suggested major leakage of plasma. Treatment based on infusions of plasma and albumin failed, and the patient died in a state of anasarca and pulmonary oedema with normal wedge pressure. 18 similar cases have already been published, six of which were in obstetric or surgical patients. After analysing the prodromes and its onset, its pathophysiological mechanisms and treatment are discussed.