Activation markers of coagulation

Advances in our understanding of the biochemistry of the haemostatic mechan ism have led to the development of sensitive methods for measuring peptides , enzyme-inhibitor complexes, and enzymes that are liberated with the activ ation of the coagulation system in vivo. Studies employing these markers ha ve provided important mechanistic information regarding haemostatic mechani sm function both under normal conditions and in response to pathogenic stim uli. While assays for particular components can denote the presence of a 'b iochemical' hypercoagulable state prior to the appearance of overt thrombot ic phenomena, most of these markers thus far have not been shown to be usef ul in managing individual patients. Properly designed prospective studies w ill be required to determine whether these assay techniques will aid in the identification of patients predisposed to thrombotic events or the monitor ing of antithrombotic therapy.