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Thrombin-antithrombin III complexes as an additional diagnostic aid in pulmonary embolism
F Carmassi1, M Morale, F de Negri
12nd-Medical Clinic, CNR Institute of Clinical Physiology, University of Pisa, Italy.
Haemostasis
|January 1, 1996
Summary
Elevated thrombin-antithrombin III complexes (TAT) indicate pulmonary embolism (PE). Normal TAT levels can help exclude PE in patients with suspected cases, aiding in diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Diagnostic Biomarkers
Background:
- Pulmonary embolism (PE) diagnosis relies on various clinical and laboratory parameters.
- Coagulation and fibrinolytic markers are investigated for their diagnostic utility in PE.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate plasma levels of coagulation and fibrinolytic parameters in patients with suspected pulmonary embolism.
- To determine the diagnostic accuracy of these parameters, particularly thrombin-antithrombin III complexes (TAT), for PE.
Main Methods:
- Assessed plasma levels of 9 key coagulation and fibrinolytic parameters in 90 patients with suspected PE and controls.
- Correlated biomarker levels with the extent of lung perfusion defects and arterial oxygen levels.
Main Results:
- Significantly higher plasma levels of fibrinogen, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), and TAT were observed in PE patients compared to controls.
- TAT demonstrated high sensitivity (96.1%) but low specificity (30.8%) for PE diagnosis.
- TAT levels correlated directly with nonperfused lung segments and inversely with arterial pO2.
Conclusions:
- Elevated TAT, fibrinogen, and PAI-1 levels are associated with pulmonary embolism.
- Normal TAT plasma levels can be a valuable tool for excluding PE in clinically suspected cases.