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Updated: Jun 21, 2026
Isolation of Leukocytes from the Human Maternal-fetal Interface
Published on: May 21, 2015
A rapidly progressive, life-threatening postpartum hemorrhage: successful treatment with anti-CD-20 monoclonal
Elad Mei-Dan1, Asnat Walfisch, Uri Martinowitz
1From the Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Hillel Yaffe Medical Center, Hadera, Israel; and Israel National Hemophilia Center, Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Israel.
Background:
Postpartum hemorrhage may be a life-threatening event and may result from coagulation defects.
Case:
We report a case of a multigravida woman who developed rapidly progressive postpartum bleeding as a result of acquired factor VIII inhibitors. Repeated laparotomies and massive transfusions failed to achieve adequate control of bleeding. Laboratory studies revealed a prolonged activated partial thromboplastin time, and the presence of specific inhibitors was soon established. The patient responded only partially to steroids and immunotherapy. Upon administration of rituximab, an anti-CD-20 monoclonal antibody, control of bleeding was achieved.
Conclusion:
Early diagnosis of acquired hemophilia as a rare cause of postpartum hemorrhage is crucial, because specific therapy may be life saving.
