The pathogenesis of defective hemostasis in abruptio placentae

Two cases of severe abruptio placentae have been presented. In each case, a hemorrhagic diathesis was evident and fibrin breakdown products were demonstrated qualitatively and quantitatively in the serum. The role of these products in interfering with platelet function is suggested as being important in the development of the syndrome. These findings suggest that the hemorrhagic diathesis associated with abruptio placentae is the result of abnormalities in both blood coagulation and platelet function.