Antithrombin III and Diseases

Abstract
A reliable uncomplicated method for the determination of antithrombin III (serum antithrombin) is described. Its results are independent of antithrombin II activity. Antithrombin III activity, significantly lower than in normal individuals, was observed in patients with a tendency to intravascular clotting and in diseases of the liver. Significantly higher levels were seen after homotransplantation of the kidney, during treatment with prothrombin-depressing agents, and in some patients with valvular heart disease. The independence of antithrombin III activity from the rate of thrombin generation is demonstrated, and the significance of antithrombin III activity is discussed.