[Coagulation disorders in tumors and hemoblastoses]

Abstract

Thromboembolic and haemorrhagic complications are not rarely seen in the course of malignant diseases. The underlying coagulation disorders were investigated by means of coagulation analysis in 61 patients with solid tumors and 60 control persons as well as 51 patients with leukemia and 50 control persons. As a cause for the thrombotic diathesis in patients with solid tumors and leukemias can be demonstrated a hypercoagulability (shortened PTT and raised factor VIII activity). In addition we found a raised level of fibrinogen, a hypofibrinolysis (prolonged euglobulin lysis time) and in increased platelet aggregation in patients with solid tumors. Predominantly bleeding complications in leukemias are caused by thrombopenia. Another reason, however, may be an activated fibrinolysis or a clot instability because of the reduction of factor XIII. Pathogenetic mechanisms, underlying the tumor induced coagulation disorders, as for example the release of tumor cell thromboplastins from malignant cells are discussed.