thromboplastin and Aortic-Aneurysm

Lumen of aortic aneurysm is usually filled with parietal thrombus. Behaviour of the parietal thrombus is determined by the ratio of coagulation factors to factors of fibrinolytic system. Activity of some factors of coagulation and fibrinolysis in the parietal thrombus of aortic aneurysm was determined using coagulative, fibrinolytic and caseinolytic tests. Retracted, blood clot was a comparative material. Tissue factor activity in the parietal thrombus of the aneurysm was above threefold higher and antiheparin activity was nearly twice higher in comparison to the blood clot. Activity of plasminogen activators in the parietal thrombus was higher than in the blood clot. The parietal thrombus contained fourfold more of the plasminogen. Antiplasmin activity in the thrombus was above twofold lower than in the blood clot. High activity of the tissue factor and substances neutralizing heparin may intensify the thrombus growth. Yet the thrombotic tendency may be balanced by a high activity of plasminogen activators and plasminogen.

Topics: Aortic Aneurysm; Aortic Diseases; Blood Coagulation; Humans; Plasminogen Activators; Thromboplastin; Thrombosis

A prospective study was performed on 32 consecutive patients undergoing elective operations on the abdominal aorta. Dacron prosthetic grafts were used to replace resected abdominal aortic aneurysms or to bypass aorta-iliac occlusive disease. Complete coagulation studies were performed preoperatively, immediately postoperatively and 24 hours postoperatively. Twenty to 30 per cent of the patients had significant postoperative alterations in prothrombin time, partial thromboplastin time and platelet count. Fibrin monomer, fibrin split products and plasminogen were abnormal in 40 to 80 per cent of the patients postoperatively. Results of preoperative studies showed no significant abnormalities. One of the 32 patients had mild clinical evidence of disseminated intravascular coagulation postoperatively, which was treated with 5 units of heparin per kilogram per hour. Results of the study indicate that aortic grafting procedures frequently produce intravascular coagulation, either local or disseminated. In most patients, this is offset by activation of the fibrinolytic system. However, clinically significant sequelae may result, requiring prompt recognition and treatment.

Topics: Aged; Aorta, Abdominal; Aortic Aneurysm; Aortic Diseases; Arterial Occlusive Diseases; Blood Cell Count; Blood Coagulation Tests; Blood Platelets; Blood Vessel Prosthesis; Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation; Female; Fibrin; Fibrin Fibrinogen Degradation Products; Fibrinogen; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Postoperative Complications; Prospective Studies; Prothrombin Time; Thromboplastin

The clinical and laboratory features of a case of alphamethyldopa-induced thrombocytopenia are described. This is the second reported case in which the presence of alpha-methyldopa-induced platelet antibodies have been demonstrated.

Topics: Acute Kidney Injury; Antibody Formation; Aortic Aneurysm; Blood Coagulation Tests; Blood Platelets; Coombs Test; Female; Humans; Hypertension; Methyldopa; Middle Aged; Thrombocytopenia; Thromboplastin