[Abnormal prothrombin in acute hepatic failure: the characterization and clinical evaluation].

Abnormal prothrombin was detected by latex agglutination method in the plasma of the patients with acute hepatic failure (AHF) at significantly higher rate (82% of fulminant hepatitis and 100% of subacute hepatitis) than in acute hepatitis (33%). The concentration of abnormal prothrombin was also significantly higher in acute hepatic failure. Since the concentration of abnormal prothrombin reversely correlated with that of hepaplastin test or prothrombin time, the measurement of plasma abnormal prothrombin seemed to be useful in monitoring the severity of acute hepatic injury. Interestingly, enzyme immunoassay which is specific for des-gamma-carboxy prothrombin (PIVKA-II) could not detect abnormal prothrombin in acute hepatic failure. Furthermore, in crossed immune-electrophoresis, the abnormal prothrombin in AHF and that in disseminated intravascular coagulation syndrome showed similar mobility differing from PIVKA-II. These results suggest that abnormal prothrombin can be a useful marker for AHF. Further characterization of the abnormal prothrombin may shed light on the mechanisms of severe coagulopathy in AHF.