The Splenectomy Effects on Blood Coagulation. II Alteration of the Coagulation-Fibrinolysis System

Abstract

Splenectomy cause a delay in the coagulation phenomenon, due to the presence of circulating anticoagulants. The purpose of this study is to elucidate the anticoagulant nature. Thromboelastography indicates that the resulting coagula from a splenectomy do not possess an adequate structural formation. The use of immunochemical techniques shows a rise of the noncoagulant fibrinogen degradation products in the serum. At the same time an intense fibrinolytic activity is observed. The conclusion is reached that after a splenectomy both fibrinogen and fibrine degrade very rapidly, and that degradation products (antithrombin VI), on account of their anticoagulant nature, cause a delay in fibrine formation. X and Y fragments are enclosed in the coagulum, whereas C, D and E are retained in the serum. The latter are the ones detected by immunology.