C1-Inhibitor (Berinert, C1 INH), a 104 kDa protein, inhibits complement components (C1 esterase) as well as enzymes of the contact phase of coagulation (Factor XII, Factor XI) and kallikrein, thus regulating kinin generation. C1 INH is used for the treatment of the hereditary angioneurotic edema. This paper will give a survey about the evidence in recent literature concerning the potential efficacy of the compound on other diseases associated with shock, capillary leakage and inflammation as well. In our own experiments we evaluated whether the compound could influence acute inflammatory reactions or the severe systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) as a consequence of an experimental septic shock. To prevent the sepsis-induced DIC we co-infused the thrombin inhibitors AT III or rec. hirudin in combination with C1 INH. Coinfusion of C1-inhibitor (50-200 U/kg x h) with either rec. hirudin or AT III significantly improved survival rate compared to thrombin inhibitor alone.