[Heparin cofactor II studies in thrombophilic patients]

The plasma concentration of heparin cofactor II was measured by "rocket" immunoelectrophoresis in healthy volunteers, patients taking Syncumar and thrombophiliacs. The values in healthy volunteers averaged 99% (+/- 16.5). In the group of Syncumar treated patients 100% (+/- 10.5) was measured. This did not differ from the control group. The average of heparin cofactor II level in thrombophiliacs was 92.5% (+/- 23). In this group three patients had low heparin cofactor II levels. In one case this was due to intestinal protein loss. In the two other cases the role of heparin cofactor II is uncertain in the pathogenesis of thrombophilia.