Interrelation between factor VII, prekallikrein, and hyperfibrinolysis in advanced cirrhosis.

Abstract

Factor VII and prekallikrein activities were studied in 37 patients with liver cirrhosis who were in a decompensated state. Sixteen of them died 30-70 days after admission; 21 survived and were discharged after 30-80 days. Seven who died and six survivors had signs of hyperfibrinolysis: factor VII activity differentiated the two groups independently of the presence of hyperfibrinolysis. The presence of hyperfibrinolysis significantly reduced prekallikrein activity, which did not differentiate clearly survivors from non-survivors. Long term follow up of survivors showed a good correlation between factor VII and prekallikrein activities with long term survival. Hyperfibrinolysis seemed to influence the clinical course of patients: 87% of patients with hyperfibrinolysis who died had fatal haemorrhagic episodes. Low factor VII activity may be a precursor of terminal liver insufficiency.

• Authors: F Violi, C Alessandri, D Ferro, M Saliola, C Cordova, A Musca, F Balsano
• Journal: Journal of clinical pathology (J Clin Pathol) Vol. 42 Issue 12 Pg. 1246-9 (Dec 1989) ISSN: 0021-9746 [Print] England
• PMID: 2613916 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Factor VII
• Prekallikrein
• Bilirubin

Topics

• Adult
• Aged
• Aged, 80 and over
• Bilirubin (blood)
• Blood Coagulation Disorders (complications)
• Factor VII (metabolism)
• Female
• Fibrinolysis (physiology)
• Humans
• Liver Cirrhosis (blood, complications, mortality)
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Prekallikrein (metabolism)
• Prognosis