[Incidences of DIC complication in Japanese patients with malaria]

Fourty eight patients with falciparum malaria (14) and vivax malaria (34) were evaluated retrospectively as to whether DIC (disseminated intravascular coagulation) had been complicated or not. Serum concentration of fibrin-degradation products (FDP) was elevated in 8 cases (57%) of falciparum malaria and 3 cases (9%) of vivax malaria. Thrombocytopenia was found in 12 cases (88%) of falciparum malaria and in 30 cases (86%) of vivax malaria. Prothrombin time elongated in 4 cases (8%) and plasma concentration of fibrinogen decreased in 3 cases (17%). Only 4 patients, all of them were infected with falciparum malaria and all of three cases of cerebral malaria were included, met the criteria for the diagnosis of DIC complication and one case in vivax malaria suspected of the DIC. Abnormality grades in FDP concentration has closest association with DIC among the coagulation tests, therefore FDP test is indispensable for checking complication of DIC in malaria cases. The clinical profiles of 3 cases of cerebral malaria complicated with DIC are presented in this report.