Abstract
Low ATIII levels in critically ill patients are usually ascribed to consumption during DIC and have been recommended as a diagnostic aid in that disorder. We compared plasma ATIII and albumin levels in 48 newborn rabbits with either no or various degrees of asphyxia and resultant acidosis (pH 6.70-7.30). Both ATIII and albumin levels (albumin 5-21 g/1) were markedly decreased in the sickest animals and there was a direct linear relationship between the two proteins (p<.001). The hematocrit (0.37-0.52) was directly and linearly related to albumin, suggesting expansion and dilution of the plasma pool (p<0.01). 8 neonates with the clinical and laboratory diagnosis of DIC complicating asphyxia or severe infection were also studied. Both ATIII and albumin were decreased below the reference range in all cases. Rather than intravascular consumption, increased nonspecific protein losses (capillary leakage, decreased entry into the plasma space) and/or dilution appear to be responsible for the observed falls in plasma proteins. Our findings discredit ATIII as a useful diagnostic marker of neonatal DIC. Further, a similar behaviour of clottable and non-clottable proteins in shock and other non-steady states questions the general assumption, that the ensuing coagulopathy is due to DIC.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
