Defibrinogenation after Intra-Amniotic Injection of Hypertonic Saline

In one patient generalized hemorrhage associated with hypofibrinogenemia and elevated fibrinogen-fibrin degradation products occurred two hours after the intra-amniotic injection of hypertonic saline. Serial coagulation studies were then performed on 12 patients undergoing abortion by intra-amniotic injection of 20 per cent sodium chloride, and six patients during normal labor and delivery. During normal delivery there was only a slight elevation of fibrinogen-fibrin degradation products. After injection of hypertonic saline solution, fibrinogen and platelets decreased significantly, and fibrinogen-fibrin degradation products increased.