[Evaluation of hypercoagulable state in patients with malignancies by using prothrombin fragment F1 + 2]

In order to elucidate the activation of the coagulation cascade in patients with malignant neoplasms, we measured the levels of plasma prothrombin fragment F1 + 2, which is liberated in the process of thrombin generation. Twenty healthy adults (Group A), 29 patients with malignancies not complicated with DIC (Group B) and 4 patients with DIC (Group C) were evaluated. The values of F1 + 2 in Group C (2.38 +/- 0.55 nmol/l) were significantly higher (p < 0.01) than those in Group A (0.52 +/- 0.19 nmol/l) and B (0.86 +/- 0.68 nmol/l). Many patients in Group B showed higher levels of F1 + 2 compared to normal subjects, however, no significant differences were found between Group A and B. With respect to other coagulation molecular markers such as TAT, D-Dimer and PIC, F1 + 2 levels revealed positive correlation to those levels. Concerning the clinical course of DIC, elevated levels of F1 + 2 normalized much rapidly than those of TAT and D-Dimer by continuous administration of heparin. In conclusion, the measurement of plasma F1 + 2 is important in monitoring the activation of coagulation system in patients with malignancies, especially with respect to early detection and treatment of DIC.