Emerging Novel Diagnostic Measure: Prothrombin Fragment 1+2

Abstract

One potential useful tool for diagnosing thrombosis is the prothrombin fragment 1+2 (PF1+2) that is generated when factor Xa cleaves prothrombin. The realisation that thrombosis plays a critical role in the genesis of vascular diseases has generated growing interest in the relationship between PF1+2 and clinical characteristics. The goal of the current review is to stimulate more translational and clinical research on this topic by offering an up-to-date update on the studies investigating whether PF1+2 measurements may be utilised as a diagnostic technique for vascular disorders. Hence; we performed a comprehensive review to describe the reports of elevated PF1+2 levels in venous thromboembolism, inflammation, cancer, sepsis, acute coronary syndromes, stroke, atrial fibrillation, rheumatoid arthritis, liver and kidney disorders, and in the post-operative period. Systematic searches in the English language were conducted in the Pubmed database. It may also be useful in assessing the efficacy of different treatments, in addition to its potential prognostic and diagnostic value. Although, elevations occur in the presence of overt thrombosis as well as the hypercoagulable state. However, to date, little is known about the diagnostic accuracy of the cut-off level to be employed for the definition of elevations. Therefore, additional research is necessary to develop a non-invasive technique for the evaluation of PF1+2 levels in the laboratory in order to predict prognosis in a variety of vascular disorders. This review comprises the clinical application of PF1+2 in hemorrhagic and cardiovascular diseases.