Coagulation and renal disease

The role of coagulation in relation to the aetiology, pathogenesis and progression of renal diseases is discussed. The intimate interdependence between the coagulation process and platelet function, fibrinolysis, complement activation and kinin release is emphasized; these processes are usually involved in most types of immunological inflammation. Coagulation abnormalities occurring in distinct renal diseases are reviewed and the benefits derived from therapy aimed at correcting these abnormalities are compared with the known natural histories of these diseases.