Coagulation parameters in the patients with Fournier's gangrene

Aim: In this prospective study, we aimed to determine the coagulation parameters in the patients with Fournier's gangrene. Methods: The study group is consisted of 12 consecutive Fournier's gangrene patients (11 men and 1 woman) and control group is consisted of patients with Periurethral abscess (n=2), Scrotal abscess (n=4) and Epididimorchitis (n=4). Fibrinogen, protein C, protein S, antithrombin III, lupus anticoagulant, cardiolipin IgG and IgM, prothrombin time-international normalized ratio, activated partial thromboplastin time, platelet count, proaccelerin, antihemophilic globulin (FVIII), albumin, and calcium were evaluated in all subjects. Tissue specimens were taken from Fournier's gangrene patients. These specimens were tested for arterial and venous thrombosis using light microscopy. Results: All of the patients with Fournier's gangrene had both arterial and venous thrombosis in tissue specimens. The levels of fibrinogen and FVIII were high, the level of protein C was low in 12 patients. Lupus Anticoagulant was positive 11 of 12 patients. Conclusions: According to our findings, we think that some coagulation parameters (FVIII, Lupus anticoagulant, protein C, fibrinogen) may be diagnostic for Fournier's gangrene. © Springer 2005.