A case is reported of thrombocytopenia developing suddenly in a patient with metastatic carcinoma. Studies of this patient’s serum revealed a platelet agglutinin presumed to be related to the development of the thrombocytopenia in spite of the failure to demonstrate autoagglutination. In addition, a technique is described for the detection of a platelet lysin and clot retraction inhibitor, both of which could be demonstrated in this patient’s serum. The identity of the lysin and retraction inhibitor is suggested. Studies on the serums of other patients showed a dissociation between the occurrence of platelet agglutinin on the one hand and of platelet lysin and retraction inhibitor on the other.

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A retrospective study of 500 consecutive cases of acute renal failure (ARF) in a period covering 1978 through 1991 is presented. A total of 316 females and 182 males with an average age of 46.4 years (14 to 84) had a global survival rate of 68%. Oligoanuric ARF was present in 77% of the patients and, except in 13 cases, all were dialyzed with varied techniques. The treatment plan consisted of early and repetitive dialysis, rational use of antibiotics, and parenteral and/or oral nutritional support. The patients have been divided into three main categories according to etiology: gyneco-obstetric, medical, and postsurgical cases, the latter having the poorest survival rate. With regard to ARF post-septic abortion, we strongly believe that a hysterectomy should not be carried out except in the presence of gangrene or proven uterine perforation, as surgery increases the morbomortality rate in these septic patients.

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