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Antithrombin III levels and activity in infants are lower than in adults, increasing with age. Immunological measurement was lower than activity in infants under one month.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Pediatric Medicine
- Hematology
Background:
- Antithrombin III is a crucial anticoagulant protein.
- Understanding its development in infants is important for clinical practice.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare immunological antithrombin III concentration with its activity in healthy children.
- To assess the age-related changes in antithrombin levels and activity.
Main Methods:
- Plasma samples from healthy infants and children (0-14 years) were analyzed.
- Antithrombin III concentration was measured using an immunological assay.
- Antithrombin activity was determined using a novel synthetic tripeptide substrate for serine proteases.
Main Results:
- Both methods showed lower values in young infants compared to adults.
- Antithrombin levels and activity increased with age, reaching adult levels around 6 months.
- In infants <1 month, immunological antithrombin III was significantly lower than its activity.
- A poor correlation was observed between antithrombin III concentration and activity.
Conclusions:
- Antithrombin III levels and activity mature significantly during early infancy.
- Discrepancies between immunological and functional assays exist in neonates.
- Age-specific reference ranges for antithrombin are necessary for pediatric populations.
Abstract:
Antithrombin III was measured immunologically, and antithrombin activity was measured with aid of a new synthetic tripeptide substrate for serine proteases in plasma of healthy infants and children, 0-14 years of age. Both methods gave decreased values in the youngest infants as compared with adults. The antithrombin increased with age and reached adult values about 6 months of age. In infants up to one month of age, antithrombin III measured immunologically was significantly lower than antithrombin activity, whereas there was no difference between the antithrombin methods in the higher ages. Antithrombin III concentration and antithrombin activity as measured were poorly correlated.