Hemostasis disorders in severe infections: state of the art

The haemostatic system is greatly modified during severe infections. The early activation of coagulation is triggered by tissue factor expression and secondary fibrinolysis impaired by the upregulation of fibrinolysis inhibitors. This imbalance is a major cause of subsequent organ dysfunction. Natural anticoagulants (Tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI), Antithrombin (AT), and Protein C (PC) are consumed or inhibited in this pathological process justifying a therapeutic supplementation with these inhibitors to improve sepsis-induced organ failure and mortality. No effect on the mortality rate could be documented in controlled studies using recombinant TFPI or AT concentrates but a biological interaction with heparin therapy could have biased the results. Treatment with recombinant activated PC Was associated with a significant reduction in the mortality rate of severely ill patients. An increase in the rate of hemorrhagic adverse effects was observed with these compounds, justifying a strict observance of contraindications and of patient selection. (C) 2006 Elsevier SAS. Tous droits reserves.