Lethal neonatal coagulopathy after maternal ingestion of a superwarfarin

Brodifacoum, a superwarfarin, is a common household agent used for rodenticides. We present a case of maternal brodifacoum ingestion that resulted in neonatal death.

A 19-year-old primigravid woman presented at 32 weeks of gestation with spontaneous mucosal bleeding. Her fetus showed evidence of acidosis on external fetal monitoring. Laboratory values were consistent with maternal coagulopathy. After correction of the coagulopathy, the patient was taken for urgent cesarean delivery. The neonate showed evidence of fetal coagulopathy and died at 4 days of life.

Brodifacoum is a dangerous household chemical that, if ingested, can result in significant morbidity and mortality for both mother and neonate. Increased awareness of the serious and potentially lethal effects of brodifacoum is important.