Influenza B virus infection complicated by pneumonia, acute renal failure and disseminated intravascular coagulation.

The case is presented of a 14-year-old boy in whom influenza B virus infection caused pneumonia, acute renal failure and disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). Survival was achieved by prompt treatment of DIC with clotting factors and heparin. DIC should be diligently sought in severe viral infections because appropriate therapy may be life-saving.