Haemostasis Flashcards
What lab tests are used to assess the clotting system?
Prothrombin Time (PT)
International Normalised Ratio (INR)
Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (APTT)
Thrombin Time (TT)
Describe PT
Tests extrinsic pathway by adding of a tissue factor to patient’s plasma
Prolonged in liver disease/warfarin
Describe INR
Ratio of PT to normal control, using international ref preparation
0.9-1.1
Used for warfarin dosing
Describe APTT
Tests intrinsic pathway by addition of surface activator to plasma
Used for monitoring of unfractionated heparin
Describe TT
Addition of thrombin to patients plasma
Prolonged w/ fibrinogen deficiency/abnormal function/heparin
Where are clotting factors primarily synthesised?
Liver
Describe the coagulation cascade
Coag cascade - extrinsic and intrinsic pathways activate final common pathway –> fibrin production –> thrombus formation
Thrombin w/ Ca activates FVIII –> stabilises thrombus
What is the role of Vit K in clotting?
Cofactor needed for synthesis of blood clotting factors
-II, VII, IX & X (1972) - WEPT
What are the causes of Vit K deficiency?
Malabsorptive conditions
Cholestatic jaundice
Antibiotics
What are the physiological inhibitors of coagulation?
Anti-thrombin III (serine protease inhibitor, potentiated by heparin)
Activated protein C (generated by vit K, activated by thrombin) –> induces fibrinolysis
Describe fibrinolysis
Plasminogen converted to plasmin by TPA
Mediated by thrombin and APC
Plasmin breaks down fibrinogen and fibrin into FDPs
Describe the clinical features, diagnosis & management of inherited bleeding disorders including haemophilia & vWD
SEE SURGERY
How does Warfarin work?
Inhibits enzyme responsible for regenerating active Vit K
How should Warfarin be monitored intially?
Loading dose given w/ INR measure on alternate days
- takes 5/7 to have an effect on clotting factor levels
- initial protrombotic effect so combine w/ heparin until INR in therapeutic range
What conditions is Warfarin contraindicated in?
Peptic ulcer disease
Bleeding disorders
Severe HTN
Pregnancy
What are the target INRs for prophylactic use of Warfarin?
Single DVT/PE = 2-3
Atrial Fibrillation = 2-3
Recurrent DVT/PE = 3-4
Prosthetic metal heart valves = 3-4
What are the NOACs?
Novel Oral Anticoagulant Drugs
- dabigatran
- apixaban
- rivaroxaban
What are the NOACs used for?
2o prevention in AF pts
How do NOACs work?
Rivaroxaban & Apixaban
-reversible comp antagonists of Factor Xa
Dabigatran
-reversible comp antagonist of Thrombin