ABSTRACT
The relationships among perioperative changes in plasma antithrombin (AT) activity,
platelet counts, and clinical risk factors for postoperative thromboembolism has not
been studied extensively in gynecologic patients. AT activity and platelet counts
were determined preoperatively and on postoperative days 1 and 7 in 74 patients who
underwent gynecologic surgery. The relationships between each clinical risk factor
for postoperative thromboembolism and the decrease in AT activity and platelet count
were analyzed using a univariate logistic regression model. No clinically significant
thromboembolism occurred in any patient. AT activity and platelet counts decreased
significantly on postoperative day 1 and exceeded preoperative levels on day 7. Postoperative
patients with malignancy were more likely to exhibit decreased AT activity. AT activity
decreased significantly with increases in operating time and blood loss. Known risk
factors for postoperative thromboembolism did not appear to be associated with postoperative
decreases in platelet counts. Transient hyperconsumption of AT and platelets occurs
immediately after gynecologic surgery. Surgery-induced AT deficiency may contribute
to postoperative thromboembolism in patients with long operating times and significant
blood loss.
KEYWORD
Antithrombin activity - gynecologic surgery - platelet count - thromboembolism - risk
factor