Activation of haemostasis by combined chemotherapy

Haemostasis was studied in 26 patients with malignant non-Hodgkin lymphoma and 19 patients with solid tumours before, and for four days after combined chemotherapy. After treatment an activation of haemostasis was observed in both groups, especially on the 1st and 2nd days. Activation was more expressed in the lymphoma group. This manifested with an increased fibrinogen level, positivity of the ethanol test, a prolongation of thrombin time, an increase of euglobulin lysis and of some platelet functions. Prothrombin and AT III activity decreased as signs of consumption. Thromboembolic events were in the lymphoma group in connection with combined chemotherapy. Thus for preventing the activation of haemostasis we suggest a low-dose subcutaneous heparin treatment for 4 days, beginning 2 h before cytostatic therapy.