Blood coagulation profile in patients with acute diffuse peritonitis

Area of Science:

• Coagulation science
• Peritonitis research
• Hematology

Background:

• Acute peritonitis is a serious condition with diverse causes.
• Coagulation abnormalities are frequently observed in peritonitis patients.
• The specific mechanisms linking peritonitis to coagulopathy require further elucidation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate coagulation changes in patients with acute peritonitis.
• To differentiate the impact of bacterial versus sterile peritoneal fluid on coagulation.
• To explore the relationship between peritonitis etiology and coagulopathy.

Main Methods:

• Coagulation studies were performed on 42 patients with acute peritonitis.
• Key parameters measured included kaolin cephalin clotting time (KCCT), platelet count, plasma fibrinogen, and fibrinogen degradation products.
• Patients were categorized based on the presence or absence of bacteria in peritoneal fluid.

Main Results:

• Statistically significant prolongation of KCCT, decreased platelet counts, and elevated plasma fibrinogen and fibrinogen degradation products were observed.
• Patients with sterile peritoneal fluid showed no significant changes in KCCT, prothrombin time, or bleeding time.
• These findings indicate a strong correlation between bacterial peritonitis and coagulation disturbances.

Conclusions:

• Bacterial invasion of the peritoneal cavity is a key factor in peritonitis-associated coagulopathy.
• Patients exhibit a hypercoagulable state complicated by insidious defibrination.
• Understanding these coagulation dynamics is crucial for managing acute peritonitis.