The coagulopathy of cirrhosis assessed by thromboelastometry and its correlation with conventional coagulation parameters.

Background: Thromboelastometry allows continuous registration of the blood viscoelastic changes upon activation by cephaline or tissue-factor plus calcium-chloride. The technique is used as a near-patient-testing device to guide transfusion in cardiac surgery or liver transplantation and less to investigate hemostasis in acquired or congenital coagulopathies.

Aims: (i) Review of the coagulopathy associated with cirrhosis and (ii) report on its investigation by thromboelastometry in comparison with conventional coagulation parameters.

Annexin V C/T-1 polymorphism and pregnancy complications.

The -1T variant of the annexin V gene, which has been suggested to have a protective role against thrombotic disease, was evaluated in 140 women with pregnancy complications and 317 control women with uncomplicated pregnancies. The presence of the -1 CT or TT genotype did not show a protective effect in normal pregnancies.