Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation in Patients with Meningococcal Infection: Laboratory Diagnosis and Prognostic Factors

Abstract

In 36 patients with meningococcal infection a close association between the laboratory evidence of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) and unfavourable prognostic factors was established. Patients with platelet count <100 000/μl, Normotest <50 % and plasma fibrinogen concentration <100 mg/dl had a serious prognosis. No significant differences could be established between patients with infection from serogroup A and B meningococci for either laboratory evidence of DIC or prognostic factors.