Complement consumption in acute disseminated intravascular coagulation without antecedent immunopathology.

Complement component C3, component C4, and total hemolytic complement CH50 were measured in blood from ten patients with acute disseminated intravascular coagulation (aDIC) syndromes. The study group was selected on the basis of history to exclude antecedent immunologic, infectious, or hepatic disease. The mortality rate was high (90%), the average duration of illness short (8.5 days), and the utilization of blood products extensive. The behaviors of C3 and C4 were found to be analogous to fibrinogen, plasminogen, antiplasmin, and platelets. CH50 activity paralled C3 and C4, as well as results of the soluble coagulation factor screening tests. It is concluded that serum complement is consumed as part of the multisystem dysfunction, aDIC, and that in conjunction with traditional indicators it may be utilized to gauge the severity of this syndrome.

Accuracy of fine-needle aspiration biopsy in diagnosis of palpable breast masses: two-year results of a university-affiliated community hospital.

Fifty-eight solid breast masses in 57 patients were subjected to fine-needle aspiration biopsy, and the results of cytologic analysis and histologic diagnosis were compared. The sensitivity was 79.2%, specificity, 85.3%, and accuracy, 82.8%. These results are within the range of those in the medical literature. Fine-needle aspiration biopsy is a useful adjunct in the management of palpable breast masses in the community hospital setting. Our data, however, do not support its use alone as a screening tool. Excisional biopsy or close clinical follow-up remains essential for evaluation and management of palpable breast masses.