title: [Therapy of consumption coagulopathies].
abstract: The terms "consumption coagulopathy" and "disseminated intravascular coagulation" are used synonymously, though the former expression refers to the process of consuming the haemostatic potential, whereas the latter is based upon the generalized formation of microthrombi. Both terms apply to an acquired disturbance of blood clotting leading to an increased turnover of coagulation factors and platelets by which the production sites are being exhausted. Such a process is triggered off by generalized activation of the haemostatic system: after a period of hypercoagulability, haemostasis changes into hypocoagulability with subsequent haemorrhagic diathesis. Additionally, the generalized activation of the haemostatic system leads to a formation of microthrombi in the microcirculation. Since consumption coagulopathies are bound to be secondary disorders, any underlying disease prone to lead to disseminated intravascular coagulation, should be treated as early and as intensively as possible. Solely by this and by restoring circulatory functions impaired by the underlying disease, it is possible in the majority of cases to stop the consumptive coagulopathy and to repair its sequelae. The shock frequently going along with a consumption coagulopathy requires immediate therapy: correction of hypothermia, treatment of acid-base and electrolyte disorders as well as fighting against hypovalaemia, anuria, and uraemia. Dextran does not serve only as plasma expander, but also corrects hypercoagulability and improves the rheological qualities of circulating blood. If these measures fail to stop the consumptive reaction of blood coagulation and/or fail to restore microcirculation in vital organs, indication for the use of anticoagulants or fibrinolytic drugs is given.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
authors.affiliation: Universitäts-Kinderklinik, Freiburg i.B.
authors.forename: W
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Künzer
mesh_terms: D001779:Blood Coagulation Factors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001780:Blood Coagulation Tests; D001803:Blood Transfusion; D002648:Child; D004211:Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D006493:Heparin / Q000008:administration & dosage; D006801:Humans; D017713:Platelet Transfusion; D013300:Streptokinase / Q000008:administration & dosage
chemical_list: D001779:Blood Coagulation Factors; D006493:Heparin; D013300:Streptokinase
vernacular_title: Therapie der Verbrauchskoagulopathien.