New diagnostic possibilities for the detection of thrombophilic states.

A series of coagulation tests is described by which an increased thrombotic tendency is likely to be detected. These tests were carried out in 268 patients with venous thromboembolic disease and in 583 patients with arterial thrombotic manifestations. In venous thromboembolism alterations which point to hypercoagulability were found in 50% of all cases. Most frequent findings were a diminished availability of t-PA followed by low levels of Protein C, AT III and of Heparin cofactor II. In arterial thrombotic disease alterations of the clotting system were found in 77% of the patients. There was a high frequency of increased spontaneous platelet aggregation, of a diminished t-PA availability and of a combination of both alterations. Other abnormal results were rare with the exception of a diminished Heparin cofactor II which was found in 3% of the patients. The consequences which arise for prophylaxis and therapy when the defect is known are discussed.