ALTERATIONS OF HEMOSTASIS IN LIVER-CIRRHO SIS OF THE DOG

In seven dogs with histologically proven liver cirrhosis the activity of the single coagulation factors with the exception of factor VIII:C, of the inhibitors antithrombin III and protein C as well as plasminog en and alpha(2)-antiplasmin was distinctly lower than in the control g roup (p < 0,0001). The changes of the factors VII [median (x(0,50)) = 17 %] and X (x(0,50) = 18 %) as well as of protein C (x(0,50) = 15 %) were particularly pronounced. Diminution of activity certainly exceede d also in nearly all of the remaining haemostatic proteins the decreas e of albumin concentration. Besides the shorter half life time, this r eflected an increased consumption in consequence of intravascular coag ulation and fibrinolysis. The latter could also be seen from the signi ficantly increased concentrations of soluble fibrin and fibrin(ogen) d egradation products. Therefore, the alterations of the haemostatic sys tem measured in dogs in many details were in accordance with findings in human beings suffering from liver cirrhosis.