H. Van Kessel

Activation of coagulation, stasis and the amniotic fluid embolism syndrome

Abstract Amniotic fluid shortens in vivo and in vitro the normal differential between intact plasma and glass-activated plasma clotting times. Intravenous injection of amniotic fluid into rabbits is followed by the formation of a clot in a segment of a previously freed jugular vein, isolated between clamps for a period of 10 minutes ( Wessler 1955). A working hypothesis for the mechanism of the amniotic fluid embolism syndrome is formulated in which enhancement of coagulation and stasis are considered of prime importance.

Postural proteinuria in pregnancy

Abstract A 21-yr-old woman showed an extremely variable proteinuria in the last trimester of her first pregnancy. The loss of protein proved to be directly caused by the supine position. The amount of protein excreted during 1 h in the supine position was equivalent to a 24-h protein excretion of 18 g. In contrast, the loss of protein in other positions was very low. The patient had no hypertension or other toxemic symptoms and the existence of a hypotensive syndrome could be ruled out.