Coagulation Studies with Fetal Blood

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Abstract
Coagulation factors were studied from blood samples drawn from the umbilical cord of 8 fetuses aged 3-4 months and 12 fullterm fetuses. The same factors were studied from samples taken intravenously from the mother of every fullterm fetus and from 3 exchange transfusion patients aged 3-8 hrs. Blood clotted spontaneously in fetuses aged 3-4 months within 3-30 minutes of being drawn. The coagulum dissolved in 1-2 hrs. at 37[degree]C. When the plasma thus obtained was studied, a very low f ibrinogen content was established and also a distinctly lowered factor VII and prothrombin content and thrombotest value. In contrast, the factor V content was normal. The same changes were observed in fullterm fetuses and in connection with exchange transfusions except that the fibrinogen concentration was considerably higher although still below normal. In addition, a decrease in the serum thromboplastic activity was established and, in some cases, also a decrease in the plasma thromboplastic activity. The factor X content was also reduced. The fibrinogen content of the blood of the parturients, again, was higher than normal, and the same was true of the thromboplastic activity in the serum and sometimes in the plasma. The factors of the prothrombin complex were normal.