Blood coagulation abnormalities in the Schönlein-Henoch syndrome in adults

23 adult patients with Schönlein-Henoch's syndrome were observed between 1965 and 1976. Nephropathy was noted in 18, gastrointestinal bleedings in 13, thrombosis of legs in 4, cases. Haemostasis was studied in the successive phases of the process on 185 occasions altogether. The studies included four different capillary tests, thromboelastography, the Gerendás coagulogram, determination of partial thromboplastin time and two platelet-function tests. Additional renal biopsy was performed in 10 cases, mesocolon and skin biopsy in one case each. The results of at least one of the capillary tests were found positive in each of the patients in some stage of the process. The coagulation status was marked by hyperocagulability either in itself or combined with laboratory signs of hypocoagulability. Immunohistological study of the biopsy specimens revealed glomerular fibrin deposits in 7 cases. On the evidence of the follow-up studies the laboratory tests may be used for the assessment of the activity of the process. The alternatives of local intravascular coagulation (LIC) or of compensated diffuse intravascular coagulation (DIC) are offered for the interpretation of hypercoagulability.