Leucocyte elastase activity in meningococcal septicaemia associated coagulopathy.

The concentration of the elastase-alpha 1 proteinase inhibitor complex (E-alpha 1 PI) in a meningococcal infection in an index case with severe changes in haemostasis was measured. The concentration of the E-alpha 1 PI complex was increased throughout the duration of the illness, although concentrations of the blood clotting factors were severely decreased. The release of polymorphonuclear elastase activity may contribute to the depletion in clotting factors.