Prognostic value of blood platelet counts, coagulation factors and serum fibrin/fibrinogen degradation products (FDP) in acute infections.

Platelet counts, P&P, factor V and fibrin/fibrinogen degradation products (FDP) in serum were determined in 96 patients with 100 episodes of acute infections. The aim of the study was to evaluate the possible correlation between the tests, separately and in combination, and the outcome of the patients. The prognostic value was found to be dubious (0.05 greater than P greater than 0.01) as regards both a low platelet count and a decreased level of P&P and very low (P greater than 0.2) as regards factor V. On the other hand, the demonstration of a raised S-FDP as well as the presence of more than one pathological test was of distinct prognostic value (P less than 0.001). It is concluded that coagulation tests are useful as supportive aids in the prognostic evaluation of patients with acute infectious diseases.