ACTIVATION OF THE PLASMA COAGULATION SYSTEM INDUCED BY SOME BIOMATERIALS

The ability of some biomaterials to activate plasma coagulation system was examined in vitro. After contact of platelet-rich plasma with bio materials, some markers of the thrombin formation process, i.e., fragm ent 1 + 2 and fibrinopeptide A, and some inhibitors of the blood coagu lation mechanism were tested. Fragment 1 + 2 and fibrinopeptide A were found to be increased by all of the materials, though to a different extent. In particular, fragment 1 + 2 and fibrinopeptide A were signif icantly increased upon contact with polybutylene terephthalate and wit h collagen coated polyethylene terephthalate, respectively. Also, anti thrombin III was shown to decrease following exposure to biomaterials, but statistical significance was found only for polyethylene terephth alate and polyvinylacetate. As a result of this wide range of variabil ity in the parameters, it is advisable to explore the plasma coagulati on system with a multiparametric approach in which thrombin formation and coagulation inhibitors are thoroughly investigated. (C) 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.