Thrombosis promoting changes in chronic liver diseases
Rák, K.
Folia Haematologica 115(3): 333-339
1988
ISSN/ISBN: 0323-4347 PMID: 2465226 Document Number: 326314
Causes of haemorrhagic tendency in liver disorders have been widely studied. Deficiency of procoagulants is the best explanation for it. Not seldom a thrombotic tendency or even overt thrombosis occurs and may be satisfactorily explained. The level and function of two important natural anticoagulants, i.e. of antithrombin III and protein C is markedly reduced, first in liver cirrhosis. Heparin cofactor activity of AT III and/or heparin cofactor II may be especially diminished. The hypercoagulable state resulting from these changes may be further aggravated by a so-called hyper-adhesive state which is the consequence of the sustained high level of plasmatic vWFAg associated with liver cirrhosis. Altered haemostatic balance needs individual laboratory evaluation.