Haematology Workshop Flashcards
How does streptokinase work?
Activates plasminogen to form plasmin, which degrades fibrin to break up blood clots
How does low-dose aspirin work? What is it used for?
. Inhibits cyclo-oxygenase so prostaglandins and thromboxane not produced and platelets are inactivated
. Thins blood to reduce risk of clotting, used as secondary prevention for MI
Why can’t low-dose aspirin be used by asthmatics?
Low-dose aspirin stimulates production of leukotrienes, which are involved in the inflammatory response of asthma so could provoke an asthma attack
How does warfarin work?
Vitamin K inhibitor, so clotting factors not produced and coagulation cascade inhibited
What is another name for INR?
Prothrombin ratio
What is the normal INR for a healthy person not on warfarin?
1
What is the normal INR for a person on warfarin?
2-3
What does a higher INR show? How about a lower INR?
Higher INR shows blood clots more slowly (‘thinner’), lower INR shows blood clots more quickly (‘thicker’)
Why can’t warfarin and erythromycin be used together?
Erythromycin increases the anticoagulant effect of warfarin, so increases the risk of excessive bleeding
How can you reverse the effects of warfarin?
Give vitamin K because the liver usually produces vitamin K to stimulate clotting factors and coagulation cascade