Effects of oral contraceptives containing 50 microgram estrogen on blood coagulation in non-Caucasian women

In one of the first longitudinal studies of 163 non-Caucasian women, comprehensive coagulation, fibrinolysis and platelet function tests were performed before and during 24 months of oral contraceptive pill usage containing 50 microgram estrogen. Results of this ongoing study indicate a state of abnormal coagulability with increase in fibrinogen, prothrombin, Factor V and Factor X. There was also a decrease in antithrombin III level. There was a shortening of overall clotting parameters measured by prothrombin time and Kaolin cephalin time. The significance of these changes in the aetiology of thromboembolism is discussed.

Coagulation and fibrinolysis in intact hydatidiform molar pregnancy

Tests of coagulation, fibrinolysis, and platelet function were performed in 17 patients with intact molar pregnancies. Women with intact molar pregnancies had higher fibrinogen factor VIII, and fibrinogen degradation products, concentrations and lower prothrombin, factor X, plasminogen, and plasminogen activator concentrations than controls with normal pregnancies. They also had reduced platelet counts and thromboelastographic values, which indicated hypocoagulability. These results suggest that intravascular coagulation occurs in intact hydatidiform molar pregnancies.