Thromb Haemost 1984; 52(01): 071-074
DOI: 10.1055/s-0038-1661140
Original Article
Schattauer GmbH Stuttgart

Behaviour of Protein C Inhibitor in Intravascular Coagulation and Liver Disease

R B Francis Jr.
The Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, LAC-USC Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, U.S.A.
,
W Thomas
The Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, LAC-USC Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, U.S.A.
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

Received 11 October 1983

Accepted 28 May 1984

Publication Date:
19 July 2018 (online)

Summary

We measured levels of protein C inhibitor in patients with disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) and liver disease using a functional assay. Levels in 24 normal subjects averaged 93% of the amount in normal pooled plasma, giving a normal range of 65 to 121%. Levels were below normal in 8 of 17 patients with DIC, in 4 of 19 patients with liver cirrhosis, and in 3 patients with acute hepatic necrosis. Levels were normal or elevated in 9 of 10 patients with cirrhosis and accelerated fibrinolysis, and in 6 patients receiving warfarin. We conclude that protein C inhibitor may be involved in regulation of protein C activity during pathologic activation of the hemostatic system (DIC). Decreased protein C inhibitor does not appear to contribute to the pathogenesis of accelerated fibrinolysis in liver disease. The liver may be the site of synthesis of protein C inhibitor.

 
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