[Anticoagulation in the treatment of sepsis. Correction of microcirculation: a new approach manipulating endothelial cell function]

Abstract

The correction of coagulation disorders is only one aspect in the treatment of severe sepsis. The metabolic changes caused by sepsis are complex. They include the interactions of hundreds of plasma proteins. The system works in balanced patterns of agonists and antagonists, not allowing a preference for single substances. The endothelial cell plays a key role in multiple defence functions in sepsis. Thus, future research in sepsis has to focus on the manipulation of endothelial cell function.