The infusion of thrombin in rats induced a disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) with haemolysis and schistocytosis. The number of schistocytes was found to be correlated to fibrinogen catabolism, plasma haemoglobin level and to the extent of fibrin deposition in the renal glomeruli in the early phase only. Later, no correlation could be observed, indicating a time-dependent behaviour of schistocytosis. The results suggest that a large number of schistocytes in blood smear is suspicious for DIC. These studies also support the concept that fibrin depositions in the blood vessels could play a role in the production of red cell fragmentation by mechanical destruction.

In pregnancy and neonatal period both mother and child are endangered by bleeding complications due to maternal idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura. Obstetrical and perinatal management therefore must aim at increasing maternal and fetal platelet count. In our paper six patients in nine pregnancies are reported. Two of them (five pregnancies) were treated with corticosteroids, four of the patients were successfully treated with i.v. immunoglobulins (IgG). Longterm steroid application and splenectomy during pregnancy may be hazardous for mother and fetus. IgG i.v. administration in contrast offers a new and safe way to control maternal and fetal platelet counts during pregnancy, delivery and the neonatal period.

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