Studies on serum complement C3 and fibrin degradation products in Thai hemorrhagic fever

Abstract

The serial studies of serum complement (C3) and fibrin degradation products (FDP) in 149 serologically proven cases of THF revealed that: C3 level was definitely decreased during the shock phase of illness in proportion to the severity of the disease. The reduction of C3 level was not observed in other viral or bacterial illnesses. FDP level was slightly to moderately increased in all grades of THF, but the degree of elevation of FDP is not as high as in classical DIC. The screening coagulogram in the cases with high FDP showed prolonged partial thromboplastin time in 54.6%, prolonged prothrombin time in 33.3% and normal thrombin time. These findings suggest that mild consumptive coagulopathy takes place in THF in addition to the liver damage, but not a frank DIC.