“…Heparin is advocated in cases where the vascular tree is intact, such as amniotic fluid embolism and the chronic DIC accompanying retention of a dead fetus.8' Heparin is also important in the prevention of gangrene in the rare and serious post-partum complication of Gram-negative septicaemia and DIC, purpura fulminans. 82 DIC and thrombocytopenia are also features of acute fatty liver of pregnancy. The maternal and fetal mortality (both around 80%) in this rare syndrome appear reduced by prompt delivery, and so recognition of impending hepatic and renal failure in the third trimester is vital.268' Heparin In 0.6-9% of patients, heparin induces antiplatelet IgG, which can cause thrombocytopenia and thrombosis, often arterial, due to complementmediated platelet activation.84'85 This action is heparin-dependent, and as heparin does not cross the placenta, the fetus is not affected.…”