Medical conditions associated with Prolonged Activated Partial Thromboplastin time in Swat

Background: APPT is a commonly requested laboratory test in various bleeding conditions and as a screening test preoperatively. It is also used to monitor heparin therapy. This study was conducted to see the frequency of various medical conditions presenting with prolonged activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT).Methodology: This prospective study was conducted in Department of Pathology Saidu Medical College, Shah Clinical laboratory, Saidu Sharif, Swat, Pakistan from July 1, 2009 to June 30, 2010. One hundred patients (59male and 41 female) with APTT 10 seconds of the normal pooled plasma control were studied. Those on anticoagulants therapy were excluded from the study. Ethyelenediamine tetra acetic acid and citrated blood samples were taken for tests to be performed. Blood counts were performed on Coulter Counter Haematology analyser. APTT, Prothrombine time, Bleeding time and Thrombin time were performed manually.Results: Out of 100 patients, liver disease was present in 39(39%); 19 males and 20 females, disseminated intravascular coagulation in 20(20%); 6 males 14 females, Haemophilia A in 20(20%), Haemophilia B in 8(8%) and miscellaneous in 13(13%); 6 males and 7 females.Conclusion: APTT test should be included in the investigations for screening in bleeding tendencies and preoperatively to prevent fatal haemorrhage. In order of frequency the commonest causes of prolonged APTT in our set up are liver disease, followed by DIC, Haemophilia A, and Haemophilia B