Smoking, clotting time, fibrin network structure and their relationship to thromboembolic disorders

Whole blood clotting time and fibrin network characteristics have been examined in plasma of smokers and are compared with those of non smokers. The clotting time of smokers is considerably lower than that of non smokers. The fibrin fibre thickness of plasma networks of smokers is lower than those of non smokers and these networks have a greater tensile property. The results are suggestive of a hypercoagulable state in smokers

Plasma cross-linked fibrin degradation products [DDimer] in patients with acute myocardial infarction and unstable angina

Plasma D. Dimer level was estimated in 30 patients with acute myocardial infarction [AMI], 10 patients with unstable angina and 10 normal subjects. Significant elevation of mean plasma elevation of mean plasma D. dimer was detected in patients with AMI [703 +/- 92 ng/ml], unstable angina [741 +/- 7 ng/ml]. Compared to normal controls [1177 ng/mL], 7 patients with unstable angina had an elevated plasma D. dimer level above 500 ng/mL, while 3 patients had normal level. The results suggested thrombin generation and fibrin formation and degradation in the AML group. The later changes were also present in the majority of patients with unstable angina [70%]. The presence of prothrombotic state associated with thrombosis may mediate the pathophysiology of most cases of unstable angina. Antiplatelets, anticoagulants and thrombolytic therapy may benefit these groups of patients with an elevated plasma D. dimer level

Study of plasma d-dimer in coronary heart disease

Thirty patients were included in this study. They were divided into three groups. Group I included 10 patients with stable angina. Group II included 10 patients with unstable angina [UA] and group III included 10 patients with acute myocardial infarction [AMI] together with 10 control subjects. They were studied by measuring D-dimer, fibrinogen level, fibrinogen degradation products, euglobulin clot lysis time and plasminogen level. Fibrinogen was significantly higher in UA. D-dimer was obviously significant in 70% of the AMI and 80% in unstable angina. FDPs were increased, ELT showed significant prolongation and lower level of plasminogen in AMI. D-dimer test can be considered as a simple easy rapid side test for detection of thrombotic or may be prethrombotic conditions