RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 A HAEMORRHAGIC DISORDER IN PREGNANCY DUE TO AN “ANTICOAGULANT” PREVENTING THE CONVERSION OF FIBRINOGEN TO FIBRIN JF Journal of Clinical Pathology JO J Clin Pathol FD BMJ Publishing Group Ltd and Association of Clinical Pathologists SP 214 OP 219 DO 10.1136/jcp.13.3.214 VO 13 IS 3 A1 Baker, S. J. A1 Jacob, E. YR 1960 UL http://jcp.bmj.com/content/13/3/214.abstract AB A bleeding disorder occurring during labour and affecting mother and foetus is described. All stages of coagulation were normal until the reaction fibrinogen→fibrin. Either there was some abnormality present in the fibrinogen molecule, or there was an “anticoagulant” acting at this stage. The abnormality was reversible by protamine sulphate and toluidine blue, but in other respects did not resemble hyperheparinaemia. Reversibility of a clotting defect by protamine or toluidine blue is not sufficient evidence on which to make a diagnosis of hyperheparinaemia. Demonstration of a prolonged clotting time occurring in late pregnancy does not necessarily justify the diagnosis of “afibrinogenaemia.”