Haemostasis in kala-azar.

Abstract 20 patients with kala-azar were studied to evaluate their haemostatic status. 16 showed significant abnormality. In 11 multiple haemostatic defects were present. Thrombocytopenia alone or in combination with other defects, was noted in 8. One-stage prothrombin time, and/or thromboplastin generation test showed patterns resembling deficiency of factors V, VII, VIII, IX, X, XI and platelet factor 3. Deficiency of factor V was confirmed in 2 and that of factor VIII in one. Deficiency of factor XIII was noted in 2. Repeat studies, after recovery from kala-azar, were done in 8. In 7 of these the tests had become normal and in the eighth, marked improvement was noticed.