Abstract

Neoplasms are frequently accompanied by disturbances in haemostasis particularly by thrombophlebitis. Thromboembolic complications have also been noted in clear cell carcinoma of the kidney. A number of plasmatic serine protease inhibitors are involved in haemostasis in patients with the carcinoma and protein C is one of the inhibitors. The aim of our study was to assess protein C activity and other blood coagulation parameters in patients with clear cell carcinoma of the kidney. The study included 20 patients divided in two groups: Group I - patients with non-invasive and Group II - patients with invasive clear cell carcinoma. Apart from Protein C activity, kaolin-kephalin time, prothrombin ratio and platelet count were examined. We did not find any statistically significant differences in Protein C activity in blood of patients with clear cell carcinoma of the kidney. Neither any significant changes were noted in other assessed parameters. In patients with clear cell carcinoma of the kidney no correlation was observed between Protein C activity and staging of the disease. From the above it may be concluded that Protein C plays no significant role in haemostasis in patients with clear cell carcinoma of the kidney.

Keywords: clear cell carcinoma of the kidney, Protein C, haemostasis