Prothrombin time is increased: what to do and how to bounce back. What is "prothrombin time"

Quite often, with special laboratory tests, it is found that the patient has increased prothrombin time. What can this change mean? How dangerous is this condition? Why is it necessary to determine prothrombin time, and to whom are these analyzes given? These questions are of interest to many.

What is prothrombin time?

It's no secret that the processes of blood clotting are extremely important for the normal functioning of the human body. In addition, the blood contains specific factors that prevent increased coagulability, thereby preventing the formation of blood clots and clogging of blood vessels. Balance in the work of these two sections ensures the normal operation of all organ systems.

In order to understand what constitutes prothrombin time, it is necessary to consider the general mechanism of clotting. Damage of the vascular wall causes the activation of a special complex of enzymes, which ensure the formation of fibrin strands. In turn, these threads become a strong frame for a thrombus, which. The blood coagulation system can be started in two ways - if the outer or inner layers of the vessel are damaged.

Thus, prothrombin time helps to determine how quickly the blood clotting system works with external activation.

Prothrombin time, MNO and prothrombin index - what is it?

Naturally, the rate of blood clotting when the outer layers of the vascular wall is damaged is not an absolute indicator. By the way, PV should normally be from 11 to 16 seconds, and in order to obtain accurate data on the work of the body, additional tests are needed.

In modern medicine, an internationally normalized attitude or INR is used. In a similar study, the prothrombin time of the patient is compared with the same index of plasma normalized by international standards. The formula looks approximately as follows: PV patient / PV normalized plasma (the result is raised to the extent of the so-called international index of thromboplastin sensitivity).

The prothrombin index also determines the ratio of PV of the control plasma to the PT of the patient's plasma, but in percent. By the way, in the norm the index should be 95 - 100%.

Prothrombin time for Quik is by far the most accurate test. This study helps to compare the activity of the patient's prothrombin complex with the parameters of the control plasma.

Indications for research

In fact, there are many diseases and disorders that affect the process of blood clotting. That is why such a study is carried out quite often. For example, it is prescribed to patients with suspected thrombosis. The analysis is also shown if the patient has numerous hematomas and hemorrhages of unknown origin.

This same study is used in conjunction with some other procedures in order to evaluate the performance of the liver. If suspicion of a deficiency or a violation of the exchange of vitamin K patients are also sent for analysis. Prothrombin time is also determined in pregnant women, since this period of life is conjugated with some risks.

How are samples taken?

In order to determine prothrombin time, fresh plasma is needed. First, blood is taken from the patient. By the way, samples in this case are taken from a vein, they are placed in a tube with sodium citrate, which binds calcium ions.

In fact, some special preparation for testing is not required. Blood is passed on an empty stomach, therefore in most laboratories blood sampling is carried out in the morning (up to 11 hours). Most likely, the results of tests you will get the next day. It is also worth noting that some factors may distort the results, so be sure to consult a doctor before carrying out the test.

How is prothrombin time determined in the laboratory?

Determination of prothrombin time - the procedure is relatively simple. As already mentioned, after sampling, the blood is mixed with potassium citrate and delivered to the laboratory. The sample is then mixed and placed in a centrifuge at 37 ° C. After that, the necessary amount of calcium is added to the sample, and then the tissue clotting factor of the blood. Then, the time at which the thrombus forms is detected. As already mentioned, it should be 11-16 seconds.

Improvement of indicators

If prothrombin time is increased, is it dangerous? Unfortunately, the test results do not always correspond to the normal value. At what disturbances is prothrombin time increased?

• There are some congenital diseases, accompanied by a deficiency of clotting factors.
• In some cases, an insufficient number of coagulation factors is acquired. In particular, the condition is similar in a number of autoimmune diseases and amyloidosis.
• A similar change in PV is observed in liver diseases and liver failure.
• The cause may be DIC syndrome.
• With developing hypovitaminosis K, prothrombin time is also increased. In turn, a deficiency of this vitamin can be observed with dysbacteriosis, malabsorption syndrome, as well as certain diseases of the gallbladder and pancreas.
• To increase PV leads reception of some anticoagulants.
• Massive blood transfusion can also affect the results of the study.

If the indicator is lowered

In some patients, prothrombin time is lowered - a clot (blood clot) is formed much faster than required. This is also a dangerous condition, which is fraught with the development of blockage of blood vessels.

Quite often, a decrease in IV indicates the presence or risk of developing thrombosis, which is extremely dangerous, since it is often a threat to the life of the patient. Reduction of the indicator is often associated with the admission of certain groups of hormonal contraceptives. The cause may also be polycythemia. Pregnant women bleed much faster in the third trimester of pregnancy.

What can affect the reliability of the tests?

Immediately it is worth noting that there are many factors that, in one way or another, can affect the result of the analysis. As already mentioned, the use of anticoagulants and some hormonal drugs can increase the duration of the formation of a thrombus. But there are some other limitations.

In particular, the results of the study will be false if you take aspirin, barbiturates, drugs containing vitamin K. In addition, some groups of antibiotics affect the prothrombin time.

Problems with digestion can also affect the results of the analysis. In particular, prolonged diarrhea or frequent vomiting lead to dehydration. In addition, with such disorders, the absorption of vitamins and minerals, including tocopherol (vitamin K), is disturbed.

If you eat foods that contain large amounts of vitamin K, the test results may be inaccurate. A few days before the analysis, limit the amount of pork and beef liver, soy products, peas, green tea, cabbage, greens and broccoli.

The process of blood clotting affects alcohol abuse, so, again, a few days before testing from alcoholic drinks should be discarded.

Factors influencing PV, include the use of laxatives and some homeopathic medicines.

If you are taking any medications, be sure to tell your doctor. Tell the expert about the peculiarities of your diet and the health problems present. Otherwise, the analysis will not be informative, and the doctor may prescribe completely unsuitable drugs.

Why determine prothrombin time for a pregnant woman?

It is not a secret for anyone that during the gestation of a child the organism of a woman (especially the blood and endocrine system) undergoes significant changes. That is why determining prothrombin time during pregnancy is extremely important.

Some women during this period increase blood clotting, which leads to thrombosis and blockage of blood vessels that carry blood to the baby's body. In the absence of timely treatment, such a violation can lead to DVS-syndrome and even fetal death.

On the other hand, during pregnancy, blood may become too much liquefied. In such cases, there is a large risk of massive blood loss, especially during childbirth. The definition of prothrombin time allows the doctor to detect a violation in time and prevent the development of complications.