Placental abruption leading to disseminated intravascular coagulation and massive subgaleal hematoma in the newborn

Abstract

Neonatal subgaleal hematomas, rare but potentially fatal accumulations of blood beneath the galea aponeurotica of the scalp, are often associated with instrumental deliveries. We report an unusual case of disseminated intravascular coagulation and massive subgaleal hematoma in a neonate secondary, to placental abruption and disseminated intravascular coagulation in the mother. The neonate presented with subgaleal and subarachnoid hemorrhage and hypovolemic shock soon after birth and developed severe hyperbilirubinemia later on requiring multiple exchange transfusions and aspiration of the hematoma.