[Acute consumption coagulopathies. 120 cases]

Consumption coagulopathy is frequently observed in a resuscitation department. 120 cases of various etiologies are reviewed: complications of pregnancy (61 cases), infections (23 cases) or various stresses: acute hemolysis, shock, severe hepatic failure, intoxications, acidosis, heat-stroke... Consumption coagulopathy is intricated with the general stress which induces it, and with the visceral lesions induced by the stress and which can be aggravated by the consumption coagulopathy. The state of shock is observed in 76% of the cases, the haemorrhagic syndrome in 73%. Acute hemolysis and the clinical signs evocative of disseminated intravascular coagulation (cutaneous signs) are more rare. Following the initial manifestations, visceral complications may develop: renal, hepatic, respiratory, neurological, digestive. The evolution of the biology must be carefully studied. The diagnosis is made on both clinical and biological data. Etiological and pathophysiological treatment should be carried out. In our series, controlled and adapted heparin therapy was given systematically.