Refractory coagulopathy in an infant with loss of clotting proteins into ascitic fluid.

Report of a newborn with massive ascites who developed a severe coagulopathy due to multiple intrinsic and extrinsic clotting factor deficiencies. All deficient coagulation factors were present in measurable quantities in the infant's ascitic fluid. It is postulated that she sustained loss of coagulant proteins by transudation into her peritoneal cavity. A similarly acquired coagulopathy should be suspected in all patients with a known increase in extravascular fluid compartments.