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

The liver plays an important role in the haemostatic system as it synthesizes the majority of coagulation factors and fibrinolytic proteins.The present study was planned to determine the range of haemostatic defects in patients of chronic liver diseases.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.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.In cirrhosis patients severe derangement in both anti and procoagulant factors occurs. Haemostatic profile in chronic hepatitis patient remains within normal limits.