Summary
The occurrence of intravascular coagulation and fibrin deposition in the kidneys in situations known to produce acute renal failure has been assessed quantitatively by radio-fibrinogen studies. Apart from the Shwartzman reaction a primary process of fibrin deposition in the kidneys due to intravascular coagulation has been found in glycerol haemoglobinuric nephrosis, BSA glomerulonephritis and some cases of placental abruption and tourniquet shock, and as a secondary process in mercuric chloride intoxication. Fibrin in glomeruli may explain in part the oliguria of acute renal failure and fibrin deposition in the peritubular circulation be the cause of tubular necrosis. Inhibition of fibrinolysis in the course of the defibrination of glycerol nephrosis and placental abruption actually caused renal cortical necrosis.
