Fibrinogen as a risk factor for stroke and myocardial infarction.

To study the possible risk factors for cardiovascular disease, we collected data on plasma levels of coagulation factors, blood pressure, serum cholesterol, and smoking in a random sample of 792 men 54 years of age. During 13.5 years of follow-up, myocardial infarction occurred in 92 men, stroke in 37, and death from causes other than myocardial infarction or stroke in 60.

Fibrinopeptide A, beta-thromboglobulin, and fibrin degradation products as screening test for the diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis.

In a group of 111 consecutive patients (mean age 65 years) with suspected deep venous thrombosis (DVT) phlebography demonstrated DVT in 51. In all patients blood tests for fibrinopeptide A (FPA), fibrin degradation products (FDP) and beta-thromboglobulin (beta-Tg) were carried out. There was a significant difference in FPA concentration between the group of patients with a positive and a negative phlebography.

Prediction and prophylaxis of postoperative thromboembolism--a comparison between peroperative calf muscle stimulation with groups of impulses and dextran 40.

The effects of peroperative electrical calf muscle stimulation with groups of impulses giving a short lasting tetanus of the calf muscles on postoperative deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) were compared with that of dextran 40 given per and postoperatively. The incidence of DVT and PE during the first 4-6 postoperative days was recorded. The diagnosis of DVT was based on the 125I-fibrinogen uptake test and phlebography and of PE on pre- and postoperative perfusion pulmonary scintigram and chest X-ray examination.

Electrically induced short-lasting tetanus of the calf muscles for prevention of deep vein thrombosis.

Electrical calf muscle stimulation during surgery has been used for the prevention of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) with varied results in several studies. This effect is mainly achieved by the reduction of venous stasis in the legs. Another possible beneficial effect might be an increased fibrinolytic activity of the blood secondary to the muscle contractions.