title: Hypercoagulable State.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The hypercoagulable state results from a complex interplay of blood coagulation factors, coagulation-inhibitory factors, platelets and the vascular endothelium. Imbalance of the complex interplay between these factors results in thrombosis often complicated by embolism. The causes of thrombosis are varied and maybe congenital or acquired. The current interest is centered on the congenital deficiency of coagulation inhibitors as there is an increasing awareness of their involvement in thrombosis, especially in the young.
  
  
  METHODS
  A total of 42 patients with thrombosis were studied. The most common clinical presentation was deep vein thrombosis. All the cases were evaluated for coagulation inhibitors Antithrombin, resistance to activated protein C, Protein C and Protein S using standard assay kits.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Resistance to activated protein C (n=10) was seen to be the commonest cause of thrombophilia. This was followed by deficiency of Antithrombin (n-4), Protein C (n=3) and Protein S (n=2). Majority of our cases were in the third decade of life.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The identification of the underlying aetiology is important for instituting specific therapy and patient management.
authors.affiliation: Dy Comdt CH(SC), Pune 40.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Jaiprakash
authors.affiliation: Prof and Head, Dept of Transfusion Medicine, AFMC, Pune 40.
authors.forename: Harsh
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Kumar
authors.affiliation: Senior Advisor (Pathology), AH (R&R), Delhi Cantt.
authors.forename: G S
authors.initials: GS
authors.lastname: Chopra
authors.affiliation: Classified Specialist (Pathology & Haematology), AH (R&R), Delhi Cantt.
authors.forename: D K
authors.initials: DK
authors.lastname: Mishra
keywords: Coagulation inhibitors; Thrombophilia