Alterations of haemostasis parameters with special reference to fibrin stabilization, factor XIII and fibronectin in patients with obliterative atherosclerosis

Intravascular and endoparietal fibrin deposition are thought to be involved in atherosclerotic process, especially when fibrin is stabilized by factor XIII of coagulation system. The study carried out on a group of 50 patients with obliterative atherosclerosis of the lower limbs revealed an increased plasma fibrin stabilizing activity apparently due to an increased F.XIII level. Furthermore, alterations in coagulation and fibrinolysis indicating hypercoagulable tendency were found. It is concluded, that the observed changes may contribute to the development of atherosclerotic process.