Fetal demise duration and bleeding outcomes at the time of dilation and evacuation

The authors aimed to investigate the relationship between the duration of intrauterine fetal demise (IUFD) and the risk of bleeding complications during dilation and evacuation (D&E) procedures. Their findings indicated that while the overall rates of disseminated intravascular coagulopathy (DIC) and hemorrhage were low and not significantly associated with IUFD duration, patients with IUFD lasting more than 28 days had higher odds of these complications compared to those with shorter durations. The study underscores the relative safety of D&E for second trimester IUFDs, particularly within the first four weeks post-diagnosis.