Haemostatic Profile of Patients with Chronic Liver Disease- its Correlation with Severity and Outcome

INTRODUCTION: The liver plays an important role in the haemostatic system as it synthesizes the majority of coagulation factors and fibrinolytic proteins. AIM: The present study was planned to determine the range of haemostatic defects in patients of chronic liver diseases. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Test performed included Prothrombin Time (PT), activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (aPTT), Thrombin Time (TT), Fibrinogen, Protein C, D Dimer and platelet count. Comparisons between groups frequencies and groups means were made using Chi-square test and Student's t-test, respectively. RESULTS: In cirrhosis group PT, aPTT, TT and D Dimer level were significantly increased compared to Chronic Hepatitis (CH) and control group (p<0.001 for all comparisons). Serum fibrinogen, Protein C and platelet count were significantly reduced in cirrhosis patients compared to CH and control group. (p<0.001 for all comparisons). All studied coagulation parameters were within normal limit in CH group. However, statistically significant difference was found in protein C and mean platelet count in CH group compared to control (p=0.03 and p<0.001 respectively). No evidence of bleeding or thrombosis was present in study group. CONCLUSION: In cirrhosis patients severe derangement in both anti and procoagulant factors occurs. Haemostatic profile in chronic hepatitis patient remains within normal limits.