The effect of heparin on multiple organ failure and disseminated intravascular coagulation in a sepsis model

In order to elucidate a possible role of hypercoagulability leading to disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) in the pathogenesis of multiple organ failure (MOF), unfractionated heparin and the related agents were administered to septic rabbits which manifest DIC and MOF. Administration of heparin resulted in prevention of thrombocytopenia, leukopenia and elevation of plasma bilirubin and creatinine. The morphological hepatic damage was also ameliorated by heparin. Similar favorable effects were obtained by the administration of low molecular weight heparin. Dextran sulfate prevented the hepatic damage to some extent without improvement on other parameters. No significant effect was observed by the administration of a synthetic thrombin inhibitor (MD805). These results indicate that the favorable effect of heparin is due to its anticoagulant property, especially anti-Xa activity. Thereby, it is concluded that the hypercoagulable state leading to DIC is a prerequisite for the occurrence of MOF in sepsis.