Desmopressin-induced Moschcowitz-like syndrome after treatment of uterine atonic bleeding in a 28-year-old pregnant woman: case report and overview of the literature.

Here we report of a patient who developed a Moschcowitz-like syndrome following a desmopressin treatment of severe postpartum hemorrhage. The patient got an anaphylactic reaction after cervical ripening with dinoproston, leading to an emergency cesarean. A postpartum uterine atony with a blood loss more than 1500 ml resulted in a disseminated intravascular coagulation that was treated with mass transfusion of blood products, including platelets and factor VII. Desmopressin is used as rescue medication in situations of severe bleeding. It was given in this life-threatening situation and presumably triggered a Moschcowitz-like syndrome. Desmopressin exerts its haemostatic effect by releasing von Willebrand factor, which is elevated in pregnancy per se. This results in an increased risk of developing microthrombi, leading to a Moschcowitz-like syndrome. In conclusion, desmopressin should not be administered in pregnant patients owing to its potential risk of triggering the development of thrombotic-thrombocytopenic purpura.