Postpartum capillary leak syndrome. A case report.

A 29-year old healthy woman suddenly developed hypovolemic shock, anasarca, pleural effusion, and ascites in the postpartum period. Plasma leakage was thought to be caused by generalized increased capillary permeability. She was treated successfully with massive plasma transfusions, administration of norepinephrine, and early institution of respiratory support. The patient has not developed a similar episode during 1 yr of follow-up.