title: Antithrombin levels are unaffected by warfarin use.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The results of studies among patients with antithrombin deficiency have suggested that the use of warfarin will increase the level of antithrombin.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To reevaluate the effect of warfarin on antithrombin levels using an automated amidolytic method in current use.
  
  
  METHODS
  Antithrombin levels were measured in patients who were receiving warfarin for atrial fibrillation and were compared with antithrombin levels in preoperative patients who had not received warfarin.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Patients receiving warfarin had a mean antithrombin level of 100.40% (range, 81%-153%). Patients not receiving warfarin had a mean antithrombin level of 99.97% (range, 79%-120%). The Student t test was not significant for a difference between the mean antithrombin levels of the 2 populations.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The use of warfarin does not increase the level of antithrombin in patients receiving the drug.
authors: From the Department of Hematology/Coagulation Services, Marshfield Labs, Marshfield (Mr Sanfelippo), the Marshfield Clinic Cancer Care at St Michaels, Stevens Point (Ms Engel), and the Department of Hematology/Oncology, Marshfield Clinic Weston Center, Weston (Dr Onitilo), Wisconsin.
authors: Michael J
authors: MJ
authors: Sanfelippo
authors: Jessica M
authors: JM
authors: Engel
authors: Adedayo A
authors: AA
authors: Onitilo
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D058833:Antithrombin Proteins / Q000032:analysis / Q000172:deficiency / Q000378:metabolism*; D016477:Artifacts; D001281:Atrial Fibrillation / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy; D001774:Blood Chemical Analysis / Q000379:methods / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D014859:Warfarin / Q000627:therapeutic use*
chemical_list: D000925:Anticoagulants; D058833:Antithrombin Proteins; D014859:Warfarin