Severe thrombotic events following ovarian stimulation for in-vitro fertilization (IVF) procedures in three women are reported. None of these patients presented any concomitant clinical sign of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. Coagulation inhibitors were in the normal range but cardiovascular risk factors were present. It is postulated that early thrombosis could be favoured by high endogenous plasma oestrogen concentrations subsequent to ovarian stimulation when associated with another risk factor. Our data are discussed in relation to previous publications. It is suggested that risk factors must be considered individually before each IVF attempt. In patients at high risk, clinical management of the post-transfer period is recommended.

Hepatic venocclusive disease (VOD) is a frequent complication of bone marrow transplantation (BMT). Analysis of 13 cases observed during a 3- year period in our BMT center shows that VOD is associated with a constant peripheral thrombocytopenia and refractoriness to platelet transfusion. These signs appear in the very early stage of VOD, five to ten days before the classical signs, painful hepatomegaly and sudden weight gain. Analysis of platelet consumption, frequency of platelet transfusion and platelet recovery, and examination of known causes of peripheral thrombocytopenia (mainly allo- and autoimmunization, disseminated intravascular coagulation [DIC] and splenomegaly) lead to the conclusions that this association is not coincidental. The exact mechanism of platelet consumption in VOD is unknown.

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This is a report of a 62-year-old male patient who had a bleeding disorder due to the presence of a factor VII (proconvertin) inhibitor. After treatment with a high-dose intravenous (IV) immunoglobulin failed and a life-threatening intracranial hemorrhage occurred, plasma exchanges were performed and immunosuppressive therapy was given. The factor VII inhibitor promptly disappeared, and the patient's parameters of hemostasis became normal. Even though a relapse occurred some months later, the patient responded to immunosuppressive therapy. No underlying disorder was evidenced after 17 months of follow-up.