[Modification of complement factors and their inhibitors during meningococcal sepsis (author's transl)]

Abstract

Various complement components (C'1s, C'3, C'4, C'5, C'8, C'9, C'3 act., C'1 inh., C'3b inact.) and seric immunocomplexes (by polyethylene glycol, PEG) were evaluated in 43 children with meningococcal sepsis. 28 patients had disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), group I, and 15 did not show it, group II; 14 patients died in group I and none of group II. In 21 cases studies were repeated 24 hours later. In group I all complement components were decreased, specially C'3 (x: 67 mg./100 ml., p < 0.01) and C'5 (x: 8 mg./100 ml., p < 0.01) and they were lower 24 h. later. Results of group II were normal, except a decrease of C'5. Catabolic products of C'3 were founded in 11/14 cases of group I and two/nine of group II and products of C'3 act. in four/14 and one/10. PEG precipitation was positive in 10/14 cases of group I and 10/12 of group II and IgG, IgM, C'3 and C'4 were found in precipitations. This complement components were more frequently present in sepsis without DIC and after 24 h. of evolution. C'1 and C'3b inhibitors decreased after evolution in group I and by contrast increased in group II. This fall enhances complement activation.