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. 2016 Jun;7(3):89-94.
doi: 10.14740/cr469w. Epub 2016 Jun 24.

Early Changes in the Antithrombin and Thrombin-Antithrombin Complex in Patients With Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation

Mariya Negreva  1 , Svetoslav Georgiev  2 , Krasimira Prodanova  3 , Julia Nikolova  4
Affiliations

Early Changes in the Antithrombin and Thrombin-Antithrombin Complex in Patients With Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation

Mariya Negreva et al. Cardiol Res. 2016 Jun.

Abstract

Background: Data on coagulation changes in paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) are scarce. The aim of this study was to examine plasma antithrombin (AT) levels and activity as well as thrombin-antithrombin (TAT) complex levels in the early hours of the clinical manifestation of PAF.

Methods: Fifty-one patients (26 men and 25 women; mean age 59.84 ± 1.60 years) were consecutively selected with PAF duration < 24 hours, and 52 controls (26 men and 26 women; mean age 59.50 ± 1.46 years) matched the patients in terms of gender, age and comorbidities. Plasma levels and activity of AT and levels of the covalent TAT complex were studied once in each study participant.

Results: AT plasma levels in PAF patients were statistically significantly lower compared to controls (164.69 ± 10.51 vs. 276.21 ± 8.29 μg/mL, P < 0.001). Plasma activity of the anticoagulant was also significantly lower in PAF (71.33±4.87 vs. 110.72±3.09%, P < 0.001). TAT complex concentration in plasma was higher in the patient group (5.32 ± 0.23 vs. 3.20 ± 0.14 μg/L, P < 0.001).

Conclusion: We can say that PAF is associated with significantly reduced AT levels and activity and increased levels of TAT complex during the first 24 hours after its manifestation. These changes indicate a reduced activity of AT anticoagulant system, which is a probable prerequisite for the established enhanced coagulation (high TAT complex levels).

Keywords: Anticoagulant system; Coagulation; Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Comparison of AT plasma levels in patients with PAF and controls in sinus rhythm (*P < 0.001).
Figure 2
Figure 2
Comparison of AT activity in plasma in patients with PAF and controls in sinus rhythm (*P < 0.001).
Figure 3
Figure 3
Comparison of TAT complex levels in plasma in patients with PAF and controls in sinus rhythm (*P < 0.001).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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