Antithrombin III infusion in patients undergoing peritoneovenous shunt operation: failure in the prevention of disseminated intravascular coagulation.

Five patients with chronic liver disease and acquired antithrombin III (AT III) deficiency undergoing peritoneovenous (LeVeen) shunting for ascites, resistant to medical therapy, were studied prospectively for the development of disseminated intravascular coagulation (D.I.C.) after selective correction of the plasma AT III activity. This was accomplished by continuous infusion of purified human AT III concentrate beginning one day prior to surgery and continuing five to seven days post-operatively. This rigorous transfusion scheme of AT III concentrate could not prevent D.I.C. and bleeding.