Disseminated intravascular coagulation complicating systemic juvenile chronic arthritis ("Still's disease").

Two children suffering from systemic juvenile chronic arthritis (JCA) complicated by acute disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) are described. One had a fatal outcome with acute renal failure and cerebral haemorrhage; the other recovered. Early recognition and treatment of the underlying cause - usually an infection - as well as replacement of clotting factors are important in management.