Damodar P

Significance of haemostatic markers in ovarian carcinoma

Background: Most cancer patients with metastatic disease have abnormal coagulation parameters. Although many abnormal blood coagulation tests have been reported in malignancies, there is little agreement regarding which tests are most useful to predict disease progression and hence this study was undertaken. Methods: In this prospective study, baseline and special coagulation tests were performed on 23 patients with ovarian adenocarcinoma. The baseline tests were PT, APTT, TT and platelet count. The special tests included factor VIII, factor IX and fibrinogen assay and semiquantitative measurement of D-dimer and FDP levels The cases were grouped into early and advanced disease groups. The results of the coagulation tests were analysed using suitable statistical methods. The results were compared between limited and advanced disease by chi square and Mann Whitney U test Results: The percentage of cases with increased D-dimer and fibrin degradation products (FDP) values were higher in the advanced disease compared to early disease. Two cases in stage IV had DIC. The PT, APTT, TT and platelet count did not show any statistically significant differences between the early and advanced disease groups. Factor VIII, factor IX and fibrinogen levels were not significantly different between two groups. Conclusion: Elevated D dimer& FDP are associated with advanced stage ovarian adenocarcinoma.