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General changes in hemostasis in gastric cancer
E Kovacova1, S Kinova, I Duris
1Ist Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovakia. bll@fmed.uniba.sk
Bratislavske Lekarske Listy
|June 11, 2009
Summary
Patients with gastric cancer frequently experience blood clotting issues, increasing their risk of fatal thromboembolism. This study highlights the need for monitoring haemostasis in these patients to prevent complications.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Hematology
- Clinical Pathology
Background:
- Disorders of haemostasis and haemocoagulation are common in cancer patients, often as paraneoplastic syndromes.
- Thrombotic and haemorrhagic complications are a leading cause of mortality in cancer patients.
- Gastric cancer specifically presents unique challenges in managing haemostatic balance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate haemostatic parameters in patients with gastric cancer.
- To assess the prevalence of thrombophilia and coagulation activation in this cohort.
- To determine the risk of thromboembolism versus haemorrhagic diathesis in gastric cancer patients.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of haemostatic parameters in 67 patients with gastric cancer.
- Assessment of primary haemostasis indicators like thrombocytosis, platelet hyperaggregability, and beta-thromboglobulin.
- Evaluation of intravascular coagulation markers, including disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) and thrombomodulin levels.
- Measurement of antithrombotic potential through antithrombin III, C-protein, and S-protein levels.
Main Results:
- A significant tendency towards thrombophilia and activated intravascular coagulation was observed.
- 31.3% of patients showed hypercoagulation, and 47.8% had disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC).
- Elevated thrombomodulin indicated vascular wall damage, while lower antithrombin III, C-protein, and S-protein suggested reduced antithrombotic potential.
- Gastric cancer patients exhibited a higher risk of thromboembolism (20.1%) compared to haemorrhagic diathesis (5.9%), with a notable rate of fatal thromboembolic events (11.94%).
Conclusions:
- Patients with gastric cancer are at an elevated risk for both thromboembolism and haemorrhagic diathesis.
- The study underscores the critical importance of monitoring haemostatic function in gastric cancer management.
- Proactive assessment and management of coagulation abnormalities are essential to mitigate life-threatening complications.
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