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Antithrombins and coronary artery disease
Insights
Plasma antithrombin-III levels do not appear significant for diagnosing coronary artery disease. This study found most patients with documented disease had normal levels, with no correlation to severity.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Hematology
Background:
- The role of antithrombin-III in atherogenesis and myocardial infarction is debated.
- Previous studies report conflicting findings on antithrombin-III levels in coronary artery disease (CAD).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between plasma antithrombin-III levels and the presence/severity of coronary artery disease.
Main Methods:
- Antithrombin-III levels were measured in 86 patients undergoing coronary angiography.
- Coronary artery disease severity and site of involvement were assessed via angiography.
Main Results:
- The majority of patients with angiographically confirmed CAD had normal antithrombin-III levels.
- No significant correlation was found between antithrombin-III levels and the extent or location of coronary artery disease.
Conclusions:
- Plasma antithrombin-III levels are not a significant indicator for diagnosing coronary artery disease.
- Antithrombin-III measurements lack clinical utility in assessing the presence, absence, or severity of CAD.
Abstract:
The role of antithrombin-III with respect to atherogenesis and myocardial infarction remains unclear; however, it has been reported that antithrombin-III levels are decreased in many individuals with coronary artery disease and in those at high risk for coronary artery occlusion. However, the several reports available do not agree and remain inconclusive. Antithrombin-III levels were determined in 86 individuals undergoing coronary artery angiography. Results of these determinations reveal that the majority of patients with angiographically documented coronary artery disease have normal antithrombin-III levels. Additionally, there was found to be no correlation between antithrombin-III levels and severity or site of coronary artery involvement. The results of this study would suggest that plasma antithrombin-III determinations are of no particular significance in determining the presence, absence, or severity of coronary artery disease.