The use of fibrinogen concentrate to correct hypofibrinogenaemia rapidly during obstetric haemorrhage

Int J Obstet Anesth. 2010 Apr;19(2):218-23. doi: 10.1016/j.ijoa.2009.08.004. Epub 2010 Mar 2.

Abstract

Haemorrhage is a common complication of childbirth with 0.65% of deliveries associated with significant (>1500 mL) peripartum blood loss. Hypofibrinogenaemia secondary to dilutional and consumptive coagulopathies can be challenging to correct quickly with conventional blood and plasma therapy. Fibrinogen concentrate offers rapid restoration of fibrinogen levels with a small volume infusion and minimal preparation time. It is effective in treating patients with congenital hypofibrinogenaemia, but there are few reports of its use in association with continuing obstetric haemorrhage. Six cases of obstetric haemorrhage, associated with hypofibrinogenaemia, treated with fibrinogen concentrate in conjunction with platelets, fresh frozen plasma, packed red blood cells, uterotonics and obstetric intervention are described. In all cases, laboratory assessed coagulation was rapidly normalised and severe haemorrhage improved. These cases suggest that fibrinogen concentrate may be an effective addition to conventional treatments for obstetric haemorrhage associated with hypofibrinogenaemia.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Afibrinogenemia / blood
  • Afibrinogenemia / drug therapy*
  • Afibrinogenemia / etiology
  • Blood Coagulation Tests
  • Coagulants / therapeutic use*
  • Female
  • Fibrinogen / analysis
  • Fibrinogen / physiology
  • Fibrinogen / therapeutic use*
  • Humans
  • Postpartum Hemorrhage / drug therapy*
  • Postpartum Hemorrhage / etiology
  • Pregnancy
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Coagulants
  • Fibrinogen