ABSTRACT
Idiopathic thrombotic occlusion of the extrahepatic portal vein is one of the commonest causes of portal hypertension in adult Blacks. The condition occurs more frequently in men and may be accompanied by evidence of minor functional impairment of the liver. Associated pancytopenia is quantitatively related to the degree of splenomegaly. Assessment of a spectrum of variables of blood coagulation and fibrinolysis, while failing to shed light on the possible pathogenesis, does suggest a rational basis for thrombolytic therapy.
Subject(s)
Portal Vein , Thrombosis/blood , Adolescent , Adult , Blood Cell Count , Blood Coagulation Factors/analysis , Child , Female , Fibrinolysis , Humans , Hypertension, Portal/etiology , Male , Middle Aged , Thrombosis/complicationsABSTRACT
The mechanisms of blood coagulation and fibrinolysis have been evaluated in 28 black adult Africans with primary hepato-cellular carcinoma (HCC). A characteristic pattern of abnormalities has been defined. Dysfibrinogenaemia appears to be a useful biological marker for the disease. The reptilase test (RT) is a simple, reliable and sensitive means of detection of this metabolic abnormality. It is suggested that the RT should be used to screen populations at high risk of developing HCC, such as cirrhotics, in conjunction with alpha fetoprotein determinations, which, alone, are inadequate for the purpose. The haemostatic defect may have relevance to the pathogenesis of HCC, and further suggests a potentially useful, additional, therapeutic modality.
Subject(s)
Afibrinogenemia/etiology , Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/blood , Liver Neoplasms/blood , Adult , Afibrinogenemia/diagnosis , Batroxobin , Blood Coagulation Tests , Female , Fibrinogen/analysis , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Serum GlobulinsSubject(s)
Blood Coagulation , Fibrinolysis , Mercury Poisoning/blood , Nephrotic Syndrome/chemically induced , Adolescent , Adult , Animals , Dogs , Factor V , Factor VIII , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Nephrotic Syndrome/blood , Nephrotic Syndrome/complications , Thromboembolism/etiologyABSTRACT
The coagulation and fibrinolytic properties of peripheral venous blood was studied in 10 Black patients with chronic ectopic pregnancy. There were significant elevations of plasma fibrinogen and serum fibrin-fibrinogen degradation products (FDP) and prolongation of the euglobulin lysis time. These features are believed to be compatible with chronic inflammation. No evidence of a haemostatic defect was found.
