Advanced neuroblastoma and disseminated intravascular coagulation: report of six cases.

We have experienced 30 patients with neuroblastoma since 1975. Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) developed in six of these patients. They were all in stage IV, namely disseminated neuroblastoma. These six cases with DIC proved that some advanced neuroblastomas have the potential to cause coagulopathy in the process of the disease. The plasma concentration of heparin was measured in some patients who were treated with heparin. The data revealed that the conventionally used intravenous heparin dose is not appropriate in the case of DIC. Effective treatment requires monitoring of the plasma concentration of heparin.