Estrogen-Induced Deficiency and Decrease in Antithrombin III Activity in Patients with Prostatic Cancer

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Abstract
Plasma antithrombin III activity was studied in 22 patients with prostatic cancer who were on estrogen therapy. Normal plasma antithrombin III activity varies between 0.80-1.40 U/ml. A loading dose of 15 mg diethylstilbestrol daily resulted in a marked decrease in plasma antithrombin III activity (mean 0.24 U/ml). Patients with the lower end of normal range of pre-treatment plasma antithrombin III activity may suffer acquired antithrombin III deficiency and a concomitantly increased risk of thromboembolic complications as a result of estrogen treatment. Patients on maintenance therapy of .apprx. 1 mg daily appear to have normal plasma antithrombin III levels. Plasma antithrombin III activity should be monitored before and during estrogen therapy in patients with prostatic cancer.