Frequency of acquired anti-thrombin III deficiency in patients with disseminated intravascular coagulation

Abstract

Background: Anti-thrombin III (AT III) is a glycoprotein consists of 432 amino acids which inactivates several enzymes of coagulation system. Acquired AT III deficiency is observed in a condition when activation of coagulation system is inappropriate like Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC). This study was conducted to determine the frequency of anti-thrombin III deficiency in patients with DIC. Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in Hayatabad Medical Complex Peshawar from October 2014 to April 2017. A total of 136 patients were included in the study. Consecutive, non-probability sampling was performed. Diagnosed patients of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) of both genders aged 18–60 years with D-dimer >1,000 ng/dl were included. Patients with coagulation abnormalities other than DIC were excluded. Chromogenic determination of AT III was done. Results: Mean age of the patients was 45±10.8 years, males were 60%, and females were 40%. D-dimer level range was 1,000–2,000 ng/dl in 59% cases and >2,000 ng/dl in 41% cases. Mean D-dimer levels was 2,000±2071 ng/dl. Anti-thrombin deficiency was present in 22.79% patients. Conclusion: The frequency of acquired anti-thrombin deficiency was found to be 23% in patients with disseminated intravascular coagulation.

Pak J Physiol 2019;15(4):35-7