Summary
The occurrence of intravascular coagulation and fibrin deposition in the kidneys in
situations known to produce acute renal failure has been assessed quantitatively by
radio-fibrinogen studies. Apart from the Shwartzman reaction a primary process of
fibrin deposition in the kidneys due to intravascular coagulation has been found in
glycerol haemoglobinuric nephrosis, BSA glomerulonephritis and some cases of placental
abruption and tourniquet shock, and as a secondary process in mercuric chloride intoxication.
Fibrin in glomeruli may explain in part the oliguria of acute renal failure and fibrin
deposition in the peritubular circulation be the cause of tubular necrosis. Inhibition
of fibrinolysis in the course of the defibrination of glycerol nephrosis and placental
abruption actually caused renal cortical necrosis.
