Useful laboratory tests for studying thrombogenesis in acute cardiac syndromes.

We review laboratory tests that evaluate thrombogenesis during acute coronary syndromes. These tests have been found to be valuable research tools in more clearly understanding the pathophysiology of acute coronary syndromes. In particular, we describe tissue factor, tissue factor pathway inhibitor, prothrombin fragment 1.2, thrombin-antithrombin complex, fibrinopeptide A, tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA), plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), t-PA-PAI complex, Bbeta 15-42-related peptides, fibrinogen degradation products, fibrin degradation products, D-dimer, platelet factor 4, beta-thromboglobulin, 5-hydroxytryptamine, thromboxane B2, prostacyclin, endothelin, angiotensin-converting enzyme, soluble thrombomodulin, C1-esterase inhibitor, anaphylotoxins C3a, C4a, and C5a, bradykinin, tumor necrosis factor, leukotriene C4, platelet activating factor, anti-phospholipid antibody, and von Willebrand factor. Some of these tests may prove to be useful in clinical diagnosis and management of acute coronary syndromes. Clinical outcome studies are needed to determine which tests may be cost effective and medically useful.