D-dimer and platelet function as predictors of thrombotic complications inpatients with atherosclerosis of lower extremities (results of follow-up for 5 years)

Aim. To study relationship between the state of hemostasis and thrombotic c omplications in patients with atherosclerosis of lower extremities. Materia l and methods. Platelet aggregation, levels of fibrinogen, beta -thromboglo bulin, prothrombin fragment 1+2, D-dimer and tissue plasminogen activator i nhibitor-I were determined in 123 patients with atherosclerosis of lower ex tremities and these patients were followed-up for 5 years. Results. At init ial examination the patients had elevated levels of beta -thromboglobulin, prothrombin fragment 1+2, and D-dimer. During follow-up 1/4 of patients had different thrombotic complications which in half of the cases were immedia te causes of death. Multifactorial analysis showed that content of D-dimer and level of platelet aggregation were independent predictors of thrombotic complications.