Objective An improved understanding of the mechanisms through which infecting pathogens
harm the host is leading to new formulations of the concept of sepsis. We review the roles of
inflammation and coagulation in the pathogenesis of the multiple organ dysfunction
syndrome, and explore the potential of new therapies to restore the fine biological balance
between procoagulant and anticoagulant mechanisms that are disrupted during the life-
threatening processes that lead to organ dysfunction.