Some of the soluble factors that affect haemostasis produced in the course of hepatosplenic schistosomiasis, including endotoxins (Ex), interleukin-1alpha; (IL-1alpha;) and tumour necrosis factor-alpha; (TNF-alpha;) were studied. Forty-one patients with hepatosplenic schistosomiasis were studied and classified into early hepatosplenic schistosomiasis (nequals; 12), hepatocellular decompensation (nequals; 14), vascular decompensation (nequals; 15) as well as twelve healthy controls. Thrombin-antithrombin complex (TAT), protein C and free protein S antigen and activity, endotoxin, IL-1alpha; and TNF-alpha; levels were measured in all cases. Evidence of enhanced thrombin generation (elevated TAT levels) with reduced anticoagulant potential (reduced protein C and free protein S antigen and activity levels) could be demonstrated, thus reflecting decreased production and increased consumption of both coagulant and anticoagulant proteins. The association of high Ex, IL-1alpha; and TNF-alpha; levels may suggest their possible implication in the causation of intravascular coagulation in hepatosplenic schistosomiasis.
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