Aspirin therapy in microangiopathic hemolytic anemia and renal failure

An 18-year-old man presented initially with findings compatible with disseminated intravascular coagulation. Following a brief partial response to intravenous heparin therapy rapid deterioration of renal function was associated with evidence of a hypercoagulable state characterized primarily by excessive platelet aggregation and sequestration. Initiation of aspirin therapy led to a prompt rise in the platelet count and permanent improvement in renal function.