Abnormal fibrin polymerization and its clinical usefulness in patients with chronic liver disease
Pengo, V.; Bertaglia, E.; Carmignoto, F.; Schivo, P.; Guerra, C.
Haematologica 66(2): 171-180
1981
ISSN/ISBN: 0390-6078 PMID: 6791993 Document Number: 173813
Abnormal fibrin polymerization frequently occurs in patients with chronic liver disease. This aspect was evaluated in 56 patients belonging to 3 subgroups, according to the clinical, biochemical and histological features of the disease. In 22 healthy controls .DELTA.E (maximal increase in the optical density after adding reptilase to diluted plasma) was 480 .+-. 70 (SD). An abnormal E (.DELTA.E below 340) was found in 4 of 13 patients with chronic active liver disease (31%), in 9 of 23 with compensated cirrhosis (39%) and in 13 of 20 patients with decompensated cirrhosis (65%). A relationship of this abnormality is elucidated with the degree of impairment of the hepatocellular function since it is most prominent in the decompensated cirrhosis. Nine patients bled from esophageal varices: 4 with a normal fibrin polymerization had mild bleeding, 2 of 5 with abnormal fibrinogen conversion died and 1 had severe bleeding. The usefulness of the test when a portocaval anastomosis is considered is underlined.