Acute fatty liver of pregnancy. Complication by disseminated intravascular coagulation

R. I. Cano, M. R. Delman, C. S. Pitchumoni, R. Lev and W. S. Rosenthal

A 31-year-old white woman had idiopathic acute fatty liver of pregnancy. Shortly after admission to the hospital, it became apparent that she was also suffering from disseminated intravascular coagulation. This was treated with heparin sodium, resulting in cessation of overt bleeding and laboratory evidence of moderate abatement of her coagulation abnormalities. Nevertheless, both patient and fetus died. This case report reemphasizes the need for recognition and therapy for the nonhepatic complications of this syndrome.