Septic shock in the elderly

Abstract

Fifteen patients suffered from severe cerebral vascular infarction and immobilized for long period died and with four survivors. Their laboratory findings were analyzed retrospectively in regard to shock. 1) Hypoprotenemia, anemia and leukocytosis were markedly recognized in the deceased, 2) there was no tendency for DIC, although patients manifested septic shock and high levels of FDP, 3) activation of plasmin, complement and kallikrein-kinin systems were observed, probably because of endotoxin, 4) survivors had no remarkable decrease in RBC, Hb, serum protein, complement (C3) (C4) of CH50 levels and no remarkable increase in WBC, FDP or ESR evels. These laboratory findings seemed to be effective indexes of prognosis.