Disorders of Coagulation Flashcards
What is thrombosis?
Inappropriate formation of platelets or fibrin clots that obstruct blood vessels
Leads to hypoxia in surrounding tissues, ischemia, and necrosis.
What is thrombocytosis?
Platelet count greater than 400 x 10^9/L
Essential thrombocythemia is a type of thrombocytosis.
What is the role of plasminogen activators?
Activates plasmin from plasminogen to break down clots
Used therapeutically for clot busting.
What are the conventional anticoagulant medications?
- Warfarin/Coumadin
- Heparin
- LMWH
Each has specific uses and monitoring requirements.
What is the mechanism of action of Warfarin?
Inactivates Vitamin K, affecting factors II, VII, IX, and X
It inhibits both intrinsic and extrinsic pathways.
What is the effect of Heparin on thrombin?
Binds thrombin and blocks its effects
It amplifies antithrombin activity.
What is the use of protamine sulfate?
Reverses the effects of heparin overdose
It neutralizes any free heparin.
What is the role of GPIb/IIIa?
Links platelets together
Ib/IIIa is a glycoprotein receptor involved in platelet aggregation.
How can Factor Xa inhibitors be monitored?
Using factor Xa assay
This assay measures the activity of Factor Xa in the blood.
What vitamin is used to reverse the effects of Coumadin/Warfarin?
Vitamin K
It promotes the synthesis of clotting factors that are inhibited by Warfarin.
What treatment can be given for a quicker response to reverse Coumadin?
Fresh frozen plasma or Prothrombin complex concentrate (PCC)
These provide immediate clotting factors to counteract anticoagulation.
What is the normal activity range for factor assays?
50-150% activity
How is thrombin time affected by anticoagulants?
Increased with use of heparin anticoagulants
What do FDP and D-dimer indicate?
Breakdown of fibrin or fibrinogen into fibrin fragments and breakdown of fibrin, respectively
What type of samples are required for assessing fibrinolysis?
Platelet poor plasma – Fresh or Frozen for up to 2 weeks
What is the purpose of the clot solubility test?
To test for Factor XIII deficiency
What happens in the clot solubility test if Factor XIII is deficient?
The clot is dissolved in < 24 hours
What are the components of the investigation for lupus anticoagulant?
PTT, PT/INR, Mixing study, dRVVT
What is the principle behind the anti-Xa assay?
To monitor heparin, LMWH, fondaparinux or direct Xa inhibitors
What is the primary use of the dilute Russell’s Viper Venom Time (dRVVT)?
To investigate lupus anticoagulant
What are some common assays for assessing fibrinolysis?
- FDP assay
- D-dimer assay
What type of immunoassay can be used for rapid tests in emergency situations?
Latex agglutination
What is the basis of magnetic clot detection?
Detects the change in viscosity of the sample as the fibrin clot forms
A metal ball moves within the sample by magnetic force, stopping when viscosity increases due to clot formation.
At what wavelength is chromogenic absorbance typically measured?
405 nm in most cases
This wavelength is used for specific coagulation testing.