Disseminated intravascular coagulation in post-dysenteric haemolytic uraemic syndrome.

Coagulation studies were carried out in 14 children with haemolytic uraemic syndrome that followed acute dysentery. Stool cultures showed Shigella dysenteriae in 3 cases and were sterile in the remainder. Prolongation of the prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time and thrombin time and raised levels of fibrinogen degradation products were found in 12 cases, indicating the presence of disseminated intravascular coagulation. Renal histologic examination showed cortical necrosis in 7 cases, which was extensive in 5 and patchy in 2. Disseminated intravascular coagulation may have a role in the pathogenesis of haemolytic uraemic syndrome associated with acute dysentery.