Heparin treatment in abruptio placentae

Two cases of abruptio placentae with disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) were treated with heparin, and coagulation was monitored by thromboelastography as well as the usual hematology tests. The cases demonstrated the vagaries of DIC and both showed decreased overt hemorrhage after heparin treatment was started. Heparin may be indicated for the management of abruptio placentae where delivery is not imminent, where significant disseminated intravascular coagulation exists, and when adequate serial coagulation studies are available.