Markers of hemostatic system activation in pulmonary embolism. Changes during and after cessation of anticoagulant treatment.

Plasma levels of prothrombin fragment 1+2 (Fl+2), thrombin-antithrombin complexes (TAT) and D-dimers were measured in 15 patients with pulmonary embolism during heparin therapy, oral anticoagulation, and after cessation of warfarin therapy. Each patient had a favorable outcome during anticoagulant therapy (3 months), but late venous thromboembolism occurred in six cases. The mean levels of the three markers were significantly increased on day 4 after the thrombotic event, and normalized during warfarin therapy.