Antithrombin III (AT) and recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (R-TPA) used singly and in combination versus supportive care for treatment of endotoxin-induced disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) in the neonatal pig.

Background: Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) is a pathological disturbance of the complex balance between coagulation and anticoagulation that is precipitated by vascular injury, acidosis, endotoxin release and/or sepsis and characterized by severe bleeding and excessive clotting. The innately low levels of coagulation factors found in newborn infants place them at extremely high risk for DIC. Anecdotal reports suggest that either anticoagulant or fibrinolytic therapy may alleviate some of the manifestations of DIC.