Haemophilia B Leyden in Greece.

In this paper, a five generation Greek family is described with haemophilia B. The disease is characterized by a normal ox-brain prothrombin time, normal levels of the vitamin-K dependent clotting factors VII and X and a proportional reduction of factor IX activity and antigen levels all of which is consistent with the cross-reacting material negative form of haemophilia B. However, in this family the factor IX levels in the three patients of generation V are around 1 U/dl while the three older patients in generation III have factor IX levels ranging from 28 to 44 U/dl. In the oldest patient of generation V we observed a rise of the factor IX level from 1 U/dl up to the age of 13 to 10 U/dl at age 14. In addition, the older patients have very mild bleeding symptoms or none at all, while the young ones have occasional spontaneous haemorrhages in muscles and joints, compatible with severe or moderately severe haemophilia. The disease appears to be similar to haemophilia B Leyden which has been described in a Dutch family.

Marathon Run III: effects on coagulation, fibrinolysis, platelet aggregation and serum cortisol levels. A 3-year study.

Blood coagulation, fibrinolysis, platelet count-aggregation and cortisol were assessed in 35 Finnish amateur runners aged 27 to 56 years (mean 40) and three aged 65, 67, and 82 who had run a non-competitive Marathon in 1975, 1976 and 1977 over the classical itinerary. After the run, in all 3 years, APTT showed shortening (p < 0.001); prothrombin time and plasma fibrinogen were not significantly altered; euglobulin lysis time was shorter (p < 0.001) and FDP increased (p < 0.001); PSPT became positive in all subjects, whereas the ehtanol gelation test remained negative; no cryofibrinogen was detected. Platelet count and aggregation showed increase (p < 0.001) in 1975 (extreme heat, 25 degrees C) but remained unaltered in 1976, 1977 (15-18 degrees C). Cortisol levels were always significantly increased -- more markedly in 1975. Women's responses were similar to those of men. A possible correlation between physical fitness and the responses of haemostatic balance is suggested and the influence of weather is discussed.

Marathon run II: Effects on platelet aggregation.

Platelet count and aggregation were assessed in 9 Finnish amateur runners aged 34 to 48, and one 65-year old taking part in a non-competitive marathon race (42.2 km). After the run the mean value of platelet count showed a very significant rise (p less than 0.001). The platelets were markedly more sensitive to both ADP and collagen-induced aggregation. A highly significant increase (p less than 0.001) was noted for both the intensity and velocity of platelet aggregation. The finding of platelet by hyperaggregability after prolonged strenous exercise even in trained subjects is discussed. It is concluded that a through medical examination of the haemostatic balance is recommended before a marathon race.