Related Experiment Video

Updated: Apr 19, 2026

Author Spotlight: Deciphering Coagulation Disorders in Traumatic Brain Injury Patients
04:56

Author Spotlight: Deciphering Coagulation Disorders in Traumatic Brain Injury Patients

Published on: August 4, 2023

1.4K

Predictive value of the complement system for sepsis-induced disseminated intravascular coagulation in septic

Xin Zhao1, Yun-Xia Chen1, Chun-Sheng Li1

  • 1Emergency Department of Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital Affiliated to Capital Medical University, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100020, China.

Journal of Critical Care
|December 31, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Complement component C3, membrane attack complex (MAC), and mannose-binding lectin (MBL) are elevated in sepsis patients with disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). MAC independently predicts sepsis-induced DIC and its development post-admission.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Critical Care Medicine
  • Hematology

Background:

  • Sepsis-induced disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) is a life-threatening condition.
  • The role of complement system activation in sepsis-induced DIC requires further elucidation.
  • Understanding complement component changes may offer diagnostic and prognostic insights.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate alterations in circulating complement component C3, membrane attack complex (MAC), and mannose-binding lectin (MBL) in sepsis patients with DIC.
  • To assess the predictive value of these complement components for the development of sepsis-induced DIC.

Main Methods:

  • Adult septic patients were enrolled, with sepsis-induced DIC defined by a DIC score ≥ 5.
  • Circulating levels of C3, MAC, and MBL were measured on emergency department (ED) arrival.
  • Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis and logistic regression were used to evaluate predictive values.

Main Results:

  • Complement 3, MAC, and MBL levels were significantly higher in patients with sepsis-induced DIC compared to those without (P < .01).
  • Membrane attack complex (MAC) emerged as an independent predictor of sepsis-induced DIC (AUC = 0.793).
  • MAC and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score independently predicted the progression to DIC during hospitalization (AUC = 0.741 for MAC).

Conclusions:

  • Circulating levels of C3, MAC, and MBL are elevated in septic patients presenting with DIC.
  • Membrane attack complex (MAC) is a significant independent predictor for both the presence and future development of sepsis-induced DIC.
Abstract

Keywords:
ComplementDisseminated intravascular coagulationSepsis

More Related Videos

A Data-Driven Approach to Quantifying Immune States in Sepsis07:42

A Data-Driven Approach to Quantifying Immune States in Sepsis

Published on: February 7, 2025

593
Evaluation of a Reliable Biomarker in a Cecal Ligation and Puncture-Induced Mouse Model of Sepsis05:28

Evaluation of a Reliable Biomarker in a Cecal Ligation and Puncture-Induced Mouse Model of Sepsis

Published on: December 9, 2022

4.8K

Related Concept Videos

Complement System01:27

Complement System

The complement system is a group of approximately 20 plasma proteins that strengthen the body's defenses against infections through opsonization, inflammation, and cell lysis. Opsonization involves coating pathogens with complement proteins, making them more recognizable and facilitating phagocyte engulfment. Certain complement proteins induce inflammation that attracts immune cells to the site of infection. Cell lysis involves the destruction of pathogens through the formation of a...
13.2K
Acute Inflammation II: Local and Systemic Effects01:25

Acute Inflammation II: Local and Systemic Effects

Acute inflammation produces a coordinated set of local and systemic changes that limit injury, eliminate pathogens, and initiate repair. These responses arise within minutes of infection, trauma, or chemical insult and are driven by vascular alterations and leukocyte-derived mediators. When the stimulus resolves, the reaction typically abates within days.Local EffectsAt the site of injury, arteriolar vasodilation increases blood flow, resulting in redness and warmth. Simultaneously, increased...
6
Acute Kidney Injury IV: Diagnostic Studies and Prevention01:30

Acute Kidney Injury IV: Diagnostic Studies and Prevention

Accurate diagnosis and effective prevention are critical in managing Acute Kidney Injury (AKI), which is linked to high mortality rates ranging from 10% to 80%. Timely recognition of at-risk patients and careful monitoring can significantly reduce the likelihood of kidney damage.Diagnostic Assessments:The diagnostic process starts with a comprehensive medical history to identify prerenal, intrarenal, and postrenal causes.Prerenal causes, such as dehydration, hypotension, or blood loss, should...
525
Extrinsic and Intrinsic Pathways of Hemostasis01:20

Extrinsic and Intrinsic Pathways of Hemostasis

Blood clotting or coagulation involves extrinsic and intrinsic pathways, which ultimately merge into the common pathway, forming a fibrin clot.
The Extrinsic Pathway
The extrinsic pathway of coagulation is typically initiated by tissue damage that exposes blood to tissue factor (TF), a protein released by the damaged tissue cells outside the blood vessels—this interaction with TF triggers biochemical reactions involving specific clotting factors. The key player here is Factor VII, which...
16.2K
Pulmonary Embolism II: Diagnostic Studies and Interprofessional Care01:29

Pulmonary Embolism II: Diagnostic Studies and Interprofessional Care

Diagnosing Pulmonary EmbolismDiagnosing pulmonary embolism (PE) involves clinical assessment and advanced imaging tests. The preferred diagnostic tool is the spiral (helical) CT scan or CT angiography (CTA), which uses intravenous contrast media to visualize the pulmonary vasculature and identify emboli.A ventilation-perfusion (V/Q) scan is an alternative for patients unable to receive contrast media. This scan includes both perfusion and ventilation scanning. Perfusion scanning involves...
714
Coagulation01:06

Coagulation

Colloidal solids are solid particles suspended in solution. They are usually negatively charged, attracting a compact primary layer of positively charged ions, which attract more counterions to form an electrical double layer. Electrostatic repulsion between the charged double layers prevents the particles from colliding, stabilizing the colloids. These solids are often undesirable because they can contain toxins that are difficult to remove. Coagulation is a technique that helps aggregate and...
1.8K