Coagulation disorders in patients with carcinoma of the hepatobiliary and pancreatic system

ABSTRACT

Coagulopathies are common accompaniments of hepatic disease. Besides other pathologies, carcinomatosis also involves the hepatobiliary system and pancreas. Liver is at the center of coagulation and is affected by these diverse pathological conditions. An analysis of coagulation disorders was performed in patients with Coagulopathies secondary to carcinomas of hepatobiliary system, with a view to study the spectrum of disorder. Twenty-five patients with coagulation disorders were studied. Of these 7[28 percent] had hepatocellular carcinoma, 12 [48 percent] had metastatic liver disease, 3 [12 percent] patients had carcinoma of gall bladder, 2[8 percent] had carcinoma head of pancreas and 1[4 percent] had a periampullary growth. Patients with deficient /defective Vit K dependent factors showed a markedly prolonged PT [36 percent].40 percent had prolonged PT and APTT, whereas the TT was affected in those with deficient/defective fibrinogen. Patients with DIC fared the worst with prolonged coagulation test times, raised FDP concentration and thrombocytopenia