Acute disseminated intravascular coagulation in obstetrics: a tertiary centre population review (1980 to 2009)

To determine the antecedent factors, morbidity, and mortality associated with disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) in a Nova Scotia tertiary maternity hospital over a 30-year period.

Cases of DIC were identified from the Nova Scotia Atlee Perinatal Database for the years 1980 to 2009 and the hospital charts reviewed. The clinical diagnosis of DIC was confirmed or refuted using a combination of the International Society of Thrombosis and Haemostasis scoring system and an obstetrical DIC-severity staging system. The cause of DIC was determined from chart review. Maternal outcomes included massive transfusion (≥ 5 units), hysterectomy, admission to ICU, acute tubular necrosis (ATN) requiring dialysis, and death. Neonatal outcomes included Apgar scores, birth weight, NICU admission, and death. Treatment of DIC was assessed by blood products administered, postpartum hemorrhage management, and laboratory measurements.

There were 49 cases of DIC in 151 678 deliveries (3 per 10,000) over the 30 years. Antecedent causes included placental abruption (37%), postpartum hemorrhage or hypovolemia (29%), preeclampsia/HELLP (14%), acute fatty liver (8%), sepsis (6%), and amniotic fluid embolism (6%). The associated maternal morbidity included transfusion ≥ 5 units (59%), hysterectomy (18%), ICU admission (41%), and ATN requiring dialysis (6%). There were three maternal deaths, giving a case fatality rate of 1 in 16. The perinatal outcomes included stillbirth (25%), neonatal death (5%), and NICU admission (72.5%).

Obstetrical DIC is an uncommon condition associated with high maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. Prompt recognition and treatment with timely administration of blood products is crucial in the management of this life-threatening disorder.