BLOOD-COAGULATION SYSTEM PATHOPHYSIOLOGY IN ACUTE MYOCARDIAL-INFARCTION - INFLUENCE OF ANTI-COAGULANT TREATMENT ON LABORATORY FINDINGS

  • 1 January 1979
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 93  (6) , 1054-1065
Abstract
Patients (220) admitted to a coronary care unit were studied by serial plasma fibrinogen chromatography.sbd.a method for quantification of HMWFC [high MW fibrinogen complex], native fibrinogen, and other fibrinogen derivatives in plasma. Enhanced formation of fibrin (intravascular coagulation/thrombosis) is reflected by elevation of plasma HMWFC. Patients (110) with documented acute myocardial infarction showed early, sharp elevation of plasma HMWFC (P < 0.001 when compared to normal and cardiac control groups), which persisted for 10-20 days after infarction. Of the patients, 43 did not receive anticoagulant therapy, and the others received initial heparin, heparin plus warfarin or warfarin therapy. Plasma fibrinogen chromatographic findings, days 1-5, did not differ between anticoagulated and nonanticoagulated treatment groups; the data differed slightly for days 6-10. Patients with acute myocardial infarction develop a coagulopathy characterized by enhanced fibrin formation, which is influenced to only a minor degree by conventional dosage anticoagulant therapy.