Tissue factor pathway of coagulation in sepsis.

Abstract

To review the role of the tissue factor pathway of coagulation in experimental sepsis. Studies published in biomedical journals. Studies on the role of the tissue factor pathway in animal or human models for sepsis. Variables reflecting tissue factor pathway activation in the various models are discussed; the effects of administration of tissue factor pathway inhibitors on these and inflammatory variables, as well as on the course and outcome, are analyzed. Activation of coagulation during experimental sepsis occurs mainly, if not exclusively, via the tissue factor pathway; inhibitors of this pathway improve mortality, presumably by a combined attenuating effect on coagulative and inflammatory responses.