Coagulation changes in baboons during acute experimental hemoglobinemia and dextran infusion

Evidence of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) was dought in normal baboons infused with autologous hemolyzed whole blood, preceded or followed by infusion of dextran (molecular weight, 70,000). Mean peak plasma hemoglobin following a rapid single injection was 370 mg/100 ml in 2 animals and 1,236 mg/100 ml in 1 animal, while levels during continuous 5 hour infusion in 2 animals averaged 326 and 474 mg/100 ml, respectively. Dextran infusion immediately preceded hemoglobin injection in 2 baboons and followed hemoglobin injection by 1 1/2 and 2 1/2 hours, respectively, in 2 baboons. Coagulation studies showed a moderate although significant fall in platelet count with prolongation of the partial thromboplastin time following hemoglobin infusion, and shortening of the thrombin time after dextran. Fibrin degradation products developed in four of five experiments after hemolysate injection. The induction of acute experimental hemoglobinemia results, therefore, in the development of coagulation changes consistent with milk DIC. Preliminary infusion of dextran (molecular weight, 70,000) may facilitate this response by either initiating the development or impeding the clearance of fibrin degradation products.