The K-test (trypsin clotting time) in coumarin treated patients and in congenital deficiencies and abnormalities of the prothrombin complex.

The behavior of K-test (Trypsin clotting time) has been studied in 38 patients on long-term coumarin therapy and in 19 patients with congenital coagulation disorders of the prothrombin complex. All coumarin treated patients showed a clear prolongation of the test. The results obtained were compared with the standard prothrombin time, the Hepato-Quick-test (P-P test) and the Factor II + X test values, observed in the same patients. A good correlation was observed in each instance. The highest correlation was observed between K-test and the Factor II + X test (r=+0,78;t=7,80;p less than 0.001). All congenital coagulation disorders of the prothrombin complex yielded a prolonged K-test value but for Factor VII deficiency. In three patients with this latter condition a perfectly normal value was obtained. The K-test together with the prothrombin time may be useful in the differential diagnosis of factor VII deficiency from factor X deficiency and from the factor X Friuli abnormality.