Summary
The human plasma kallikrein system was assayed in patients with disseminated intravascular
coagulation (DIC) induced by gram negative bacteremia, neoplasia and severe liver
disease. Only the patients with gram negative septicemia showed activation of plasma
kallikrein with concomitant depletion of kallikreinogen and kallikrein inhibition.
Since the activation of kallikrein is a function of activated Hageman factor, it is
suggested that in DIC associated with gram negative septicemia, Hageman factor activation
may be involved in the DIC. In DIC associated with neoplasia or liver disease lack
of Hageman factor activation should be considered.