Inflammation and hemostasis: a bidirectional interaction.

There is increasing evidence that inflammation is a potent activator of coagulation pathways. In fact, inflammatory mediators upregulate procoagulant factors, inhibit endogenous anticoagulants and attenuate fibrinolytic response. In addition, systemic inflammation appears to increase platelet reactivity. However, the interaction between these two systems is bidirectional as coagulation is also capable of modulating inflammatory activity. This review focuses on the current understanding of the complex interactions between inflammation and coagulation.