Haemostasis, Thrombosis & Embolism Flashcards
What are the functions of platelets?
Adhere to damaged vessel wall and each other. They form a platelet plug. This is energy dependent.
What does successful haemostasis depend on?
Vessel wall
Platelets
Coagulation system
Fibrinolytic system
What does PF3 do?
Acts to convert prothrombin to thrombin
Describe the coagulation cascade
Prothrombin –> thrombin –> fibrinogen –> fibrin
What is the coagulation cascade?
A series of inactive components converted to active components.
List some thrombin inhibitors
Anti-thrombin III
Alpha 1 anti-trypsin
Alpha 2 macroglobulin
Proteins C & S
How is plasminogen converted to plasmin?
What is the function of plasmin?
By plasminogen activators.
Plasmin is a serine protease and therefore it is used in fibrinolysis
Define thrombosis
Formation of a solid mass of blood within the circulatory system
What does Virchow’s triad consist of?
Abnormalities in vessel walls, abnormalities of blood flow and abnormalities in blood components
How do arterial thrombi appear?
Pale, granular, lines of Zahn (pale = platelet rich, dark = RBC), lower cell content, generally have less RBCs than venous thrombi
How do venous thrombi appear?
Soft, gelatinous, deep red and they have a higher cell content than arterial thrombi
What are the four main outcomes of thrombi?
Lysis, propagation, organisation and recanalisation
What happens during lysis of thrombi?
Complete dissolution of thrombus. Fibrinolytic system is active, allowing for re-established blood flow. Usually occurs with small thrombi
What happens during propagation of thrombi?
Progressive spread of thrombosis (due to stagnation and tributaries being formed), gets bigger. Occurs distally in arteries and proximally in veins.
What happens during organisation of thrombi?
Ingrowth of fibroblasts and capillaries (similar to granulation tissue). Lumen remains obstructed. Reparative process.
What happens during recanalisation of thrombi?
Blood flow is re-established with one or more channels formed through ongoing thrombus.
Define embolism
Part of thrombus breaks off, travels through bloodstream, lodging at a distant site
What are the effects of arterial emboli?
Ischaemia, infarction, collateral circulation. Worse in end arteries e.g. retina