Systemic activation of coagulation and fibrinolysis in a porcine model of serogroup A streptococcal shock

In a porcine model of Gram-positive sepsis, 28 juvenile pigs were studied to evaluate the effect of a continuous infusion of live serogroup A streptococci (GAS) on the activation of coagulation and fibrinolysis. Plasma levels of thrombin-antithrombin (TAT) complexes, tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) activities were measured using commercially available kits. The continuous infusion of GAS [(3-5) x 10(8) colony-forming units/kg per h] caused early signs of severe septicaemia in the pigs, with pulmonary hypertension, systemic hypotension, reduced cardiac output and liver hypoperfusion, ultimately leading to shock with a high mortality. There was a sequential and ordered activation of the coagulation, fibrinolytic and antifibrinolytic systems. GAS infusion induced a gradual, maximally 2.5-fold increase in plasma TAT levels. Plasma t-PA activity levels peaked at 2 h (nine-fold increase), whereas the peak of PAI-1 activity was delayed (eight-fold increase at 4 h). These findings are similar to changes observed during endotoxin infusion. This procoagulant state favours disseminated intravascular coagulation and microthrombus formation, ultimately threatening tissue viability.