The Occurrence and Significance of Fibrin/Fibrinogen Degradation Products (FDP) in Acute Infections

Abstract

Fibrin/fibrinogen degradation products (FDP) in serum were determined in 176 patients with acute infectious diseases. FDP were increased in the majority of patients with bacterial infections, particularly in association with septicemia. In mycoplasma and viral infections FDP were found less often. Platelets and coagulation factors were determined in 30 patients with bacterial infections; a consumption of these components was demonstrated less often than the presence of FDP. Occurrence of FDP in the serum in a low concentration does not influence the prognosis, while higher concentrations suggest an unfavourable course of the disease.