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Thrombin generation in plasma: its assessment via the endogenous thrombin potential
1Department of Biochemistry, Cardiovascular Research Institute and Medical Faculty, Rijksuniversiteit Limburg, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
Thrombosis and Haemostasis
|July 1, 1995
Summary
A new method quantifies plasma thrombin generation, assessing endogenous thrombin potential (ETP). This sensitive indicator reveals anticoagulation effects and hypercoagulable states, aiding in diagnosing deficiencies.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Hematology
Background:
- Thrombin generation is crucial for hemostasis and thrombosis, governed by a classical cascade.
- Current clotting tests (PT, APTT) lack sensitivity for hypercoagulable states and do not fully reflect thrombin formation capacity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a routine laboratory method for assessing endogenous thrombin potential (ETP).
- To evaluate ETP as a sensitive indicator of plasma thrombin-forming capacity.
Main Methods:
- Development of a novel assay to measure ETP, representing the total thrombin generated.
- Application of the assay in a routine laboratory setting.
Main Results:
- The developed method provides a quantitative measure of thrombin generation.
- ETP is a sensitive indicator for various anticoagulation therapies.
- Elevated ETP levels were observed in studied hypercoagulable states (congenital and acquired).
- The assay shows potential for detecting deficiencies in protein C, protein S, and activated protein C resistance.
Conclusions:
- A new routine laboratory method for assessing ETP has been successfully developed.
- ETP serves as a sensitive marker for anticoagulation and hypercoagulability.
- This assay has diagnostic potential for specific coagulation disorders.