Article Text
Summary
Twenty-eight-week-old preterm monochorionic–diamniotic twins were admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit secondary to low birth weight and mild respiratory distress syndrome. A low fibrinogen level of less than 0.5 g/L was detected following an abnormal full blood count. They required fibrinogen transfusions until 32 weeks corrected gestation to maintain adequate fibrinogen levels. Parental screening revealed that their mother had a previously undiagnosed hypofibrinogenaemia. Of note, her only symptom was menorrhagia. This may have implications on further pregnancies as it can be associated with spontaneous miscarriage and post-partum haemorrhage. Congenital hypofibrinogenaemia is a rare disorder and there are no reported cases from Ireland. A higher degree of suspicion for screening is required to detect new cases and demonstrates the benefits of checking parental levels in such situations.
- haematology (drugs and medicines)
- haematology (incl blood transfusion)
- neonatal intensive care
- hydrocephalus
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Footnotes
CMB and MIR are joint first authors
Contributors The patient was initially under the care of NM while on call and reviewed on ward rounds by MAB. MAB suggested writing up the case given the rare diagnosis made. MIR and CMB took an active role in the work up and treatment of the patients. CMB and MIR contributed equally to this paper.
Competing interests None declared.
Patient consent Consent obtained from guardian.
Provenance and peer review Not commissioned; externally peer reviewed.