Consumption coagulopathy: practical principles of diagnosis and management

Hemostasis: the balance concept of procoagulant and inhibitor systems and use of the serial thrombin time (STT)

The balance concept between the procoagulant and inhibitor systems allows a perspective to better diagnose opposite hemostatic mechanisms, especially hemorrhagic tendencies as a result of intravascular consumption coagulopathy from pathologic fibrinolysis. Concepts presented are intended to provide a base for following the ever changing patient therapeutic response in the course of these sometimes fulminant conditions. A concise description of the Serial Thrombin Time test (STT) is presented as a rapid quantitative test for the differentiation of opposing mechanisms affecting hemostasis. Typical patient cases are presented to demonstrate the use of the STT in diagnosis, selection of therapeutic agents, and management of hemorrhagic episodes. Presented are cases of disseminated intravascular coagulation, primary fibrinolysis, coronary thrombosis, and hemophilia.

Disseminated intravascular coagulation in autopsy cases. Its incidence and clinicopathologic significance

In a study of 1729 consecutive autopsies, the histopathologic diagnosis of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) confirmed by the presence of microthrombi in more than two organs was made in 51 cases. Among them, 38 cases (74.5%) were clinically not suspected of having DIC. Microthrombi were most frequent in the kidneys, followed by the lungs, spleen, adrenals, heart, brain, and liver, in descending order of frequency. Furthermore, a wide variety of visceral lesions was another important histologic feature of DIC. Kidney lesions assumed a position of prime importance, and special attention was given to the high frequency of acute renal failure due to so-called acute tubular necrosis and bilateral renal cortical necrosis. Infections, often associated with shock, and malignancies were the most common underlying causes of DIC. DIC is a frequent, often fatal pathophysiologic condition complicating many disorders. The true incidence of DIC at autopsy may be higher. It should be noted that demonstration of microthrombi and visceral alterations related to intravascular clotting is important for the evaluation of cases suspected of having DIC.

Post-operative renal failure caused by disseminated intravascular coagulation

A 22-year-old man suffered a stab wound of the femoral artery and vein. This was followed by disseminated intravascular coagulation. Renal failure then occurred presumably due to fibrin deposition in the small vessels of the kidney. The D.I.C. was successfully treated with heparin and the renal failure with peritoneal dialysis. It is suggested that D.I.C. and consequent alterations in regional blood flow following trauma are not uncommon, and search should be made for these phenomena in every case of major trauma.

Disseminated intravascular coagulation as a consequence of cerebral damage

Three cases with intracranial lesions developed evidence of disseminated intravascular coagulation which was confirmed at necropsy. The factors engendering this state, including release of potent thromboplastin from neural tissue are discussed and the danger of this intermediary mechanism of disease increasing the mortality of intracranial disease is demonstrated. Careful haematological investigation of all patients with intracranial disease is therefore advised, especially if they manifest evidence of a bleeding tendency.