New therapeutic implications of anticoagulation mediator replacement in sepsis and acute respiratory distress syndrome.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the relationship between the coagulation and immune systems in sepsis and acute respiratory distress syndrome and to review published experimental and clinical studies that use anticoagulation mediator replacement strategies in these conditions.


METHODS
MEDLINE database and bibliographies of relevant articles.


METHODS
Articles (both original and review) relating to coagulation abnormalities and anticoagulation mediator replacement therapy in sepsis and acute respiratory distress syndrome.


METHODS
All applicable data were extracted.


CONCLUSIONS
Coagulation abnormalities are common in the critically ill. Early studies using anticoagulation mediator replacement in patients with sepsis have suggested beneficial effects on organ function and outcome. The results from larger, randomized controlled trials are eagerly anticipated.
Vincent
J L
JL
Department of Intensive Care, Erasme Hospital, Free University of Brussels, Belgium. jlvincen@ulb.ac.be
D000818:Animals; D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000991:Antithrombins / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016638:Critical Illness; D006801:Humans; D011486:Protein C / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012128:Respiratory Distress Syndrome / Q000188:drug therapy*; D018805:Sepsis / Q000188:drug therapy*
D000925:Anticoagulants; D000991:Antithrombins; D011486:Protein C