[Effects of polymyxin B and E (colistin) on blood coagulation, thrombocyte function, and fibrin structure (author's transl)].

Polymyxins are known to form complexes with endotoxins and phospholipids. Therefore patients with septicaemia were treated in some studies with polymyxin. We investigated the effect of polymyxin B and E (colistin) on some blood coagulation parameters, spreading of platelets and fibrin polymerisation. With increased concentrations of polymyxin (1, 5, 10, 20, 100 mg%) we found a significant prolongation of prothrombin, partial thromboplastin and TEG reaction times. Spreading of platelets was also reduced. There was, however, no effect on fibrin polymerisation. The coagulation inhibitory effects of polymyxins could be reduced by adding phospholipids as procoagulant. These results indicate: 1. There are anticoagulant effects of polymyxins even in therapeutic doses and therefore it should not be applied in cases of haemorrhagic diathesis or renal insufficiency. 2. In septicaemia the disseminated intravascular coagulation can be prevented because due to consumption of polymyxin, endotoxinaemia persists.