Related Experiment Videos
Alpha-2 antiplasmin in acute nonlymphoblastic leukemia
E Cofrancesco1, E Pogliani, M Salvatore
1Istituto di Scienze Mediche, Università di Milano, Italia.
Acta Haematologica
|January 1, 1989
Summary
In acute nonlymphoblastic leukemia (ANLL), low alpha-2-antiplasmin (alpha 2-AP) levels, not hyperfibrinolysis, may cause bleeding. Alpha 2-AP levels improved with bone marrow recovery, suggesting a link to disease activity.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Oncology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Acute nonlymphoblastic leukemia (ANLL) is associated with bleeding complications.
- The role of specific coagulation inhibitors in ANLL pathogenesis is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the levels of alpha-2-antiplasmin (alpha 2-AP), antithrombin III (At III), and plasminogen in ANLL patients.
- To determine the relationship between these inhibitors, disease activity, chemotherapy, and bleeding diathesis.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study of 21 ANLL patients.
- Measurement of alpha 2-AP, At III, and plasminogen levels at diagnosis, post-chemotherapy, and during marrow recovery.
- Clinical and laboratory assessment for disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC).
Main Results:
- Significantly low initial alpha 2-AP levels were observed in ANLL patients, particularly those with DIC.
- Alpha 2-AP levels improved with bone marrow cellularity recovery.
- Antithrombin III and plasminogen levels remained within the normal range throughout the study.
- Proteolytic cleavage of alpha 2-AP by granulocyte proteases is proposed as the cause of deficiency.
Conclusions:
- Alpha-2-antiplasmin deficiency, potentially due to granulocyte proteases, may contribute to hemorrhagic diathesis in ANLL.
- Low alpha 2-AP levels correlate with disease activity in ANLL.
- This deficiency may be independent of hyperfibrinolysis or DIC.