[Changes in general hemostasis in patients with diabetic retinopathy]

The hemostasis system was analyzed in 106 patients with diabetes mellitus, including 86 patients with diabetic retinopathy. Parameters of coagulogram and thromboelastogram as well as platelets aggregation, stimulated by collagen, were examined in all patients. Besides, the fibrinolytic activity of blood plasma as well as the concentration of plasminogen, fibrinogen and of fibrin-degradation products were evaluated. Essential changes were detected, which correlated with an intensity of diabetic changes in the eye fundus, i.e. generalized hypercoagulation caused by a lower activity of the system antithrombin III-heparin, a higher activity of fibrinogen and activation of the fibrinolytic system. The obtained data denote an important role of impaired hemostasis in the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy.