ISSN: 0022-1198
CODEN: JFSCA
Published Online: 1 April 1979
Page Count: 6

Hereditary Angioneurotic Edema: An Unusual Case of Maternal Mortality
Postnikoff, IM
Resident, Mount Sinai Hospital,

Pritzker, KPH
Resident, Mount Sinai Hospital,

(Received 28 June 1978; accepted 7 August 1978)

Abstract

Hereditary angioneurotic edema is an autosomal dominant, nonallergic disorder characterized by recurrent attacks of brawny edema of the extremities, face, larynx, and genitalia [1] and biochemically by a reduction in the serum protein C1 esterase inhibitor, a factor which prevents the activation of the first component of the complement system [2]. Although most attacks are precipitated by trauma [3], there have been no previously reported cases in pregnancy during delivery or in the immediate postpartum period, despite obvious traumatic injury during the birth process. This report describes a patient who, following delivery, developed localized perineal swelling, which over 72 h progressed to generalized edema, terminating in irreversible shock.

Keywords:

Paper ID: JFS10855J
DOI: 10.1520/JFS10855J
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