Blood coagulation and shock.

This report describes how a finding at the autopsy table led to the observation of a clinical syndrome. A synthesis of autopsy experience, clinical investigations, and experimental and biochemical studies were able to shed light on one factor in the pathogenesis of this syndrome, namely blood coagulation with pulmonary microemboli and release and delayed elimination of peptides from fibrin degradation extravascularly in the lungs. These peptides may both induce increased permeability in the microcirculation and stimulate fibroblast proliferation. Knowledge about the pathogenesis has led to improved prophylaxis and therapy and a reduction of the number of deaths.