What does a high level of antithrombin III indicate

Elevated levels of antithrombin III usually indicate a hypercoagulable state in the blood or the presence of inflammatory reactions, which may be related to factors such as pregnancy, oral contraceptives, acute inflammation, nephrotic syndrome, and hereditary antithrombin III.

1. Pregnancy: In the middle and late stages of pregnancy, the physiological level of antithrombin III increases in women, which belongs to a compensatory protective mechanism. The hormones secreted by the placenta stimulate the liver to synthesize more antithrombin III, preventing the risk of venous thrombosis caused by hypercoagulability during pregnancy. This elevation usually returns to normal within 6 weeks postpartum and does not require special intervention.

2. Drug effects:

Long term use of estrogen containing drugs such as birth control pills and hormone replacement therapy drugs enhances liver protein synthesis function, leading to increased production of antithrombin III. After stopping the medication, the indicators may gradually decline. During the medication period, it is necessary to regularly monitor coagulation function and be alert to thrombosis or bleeding tendencies.

3. Acute inflammation: In acute inflammatory states such as bacterial infection and trauma, antithrombin III, as an acute phase response protein, will temporarily increase. At this time, there may be abnormal inflammatory indicators such as C-reactive protein and white blood cell count. It is necessary to determine the infection site based on clinical symptoms, and the indicators can be restored after targeted anti infection treatment. 4. nephrotic syndrome: Patients with high levels of proteinuria may experience elevated levels of antithrombin III due to compensatory synthesis of plasma proteins by the liver. These patients usually have typical symptoms such as hypoalbuminemia and hyperlipidemia, and need to be diagnosed through 24-hour urine protein quantification. The focus of treatment is to control primary kidney disease.

5. Genetic factors:

A very small number of patients with hereditary antithrombin III excess have mutations in the SERPINC1 gene, leading to structural abnormalities or overproduction of antithrombin III. These patients need to undergo genetic testing for diagnosis. Although they are not prone to thrombosis, they should be alert to the risk of abnormal bleeding during surgery or trauma.

The discovery of elevated levels of antithrombin III should be evaluated comprehensively in conjunction with tests such as coagulation tests and D-dimer levels. Moderate exercise should be maintained in daily life to promote blood circulation and avoid prolonged sitting or bed rest. Diet can moderately increase foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids such as deep-sea fish and nuts, and reduce high-fat diets such as animal organs. Smokers are advised to quit smoking, while obese individuals need to control their weight and regularly check their coagulation function indicators. If accompanied by symptoms such as lower limb swelling and chest pain, seek medical attention promptly to check for blood clots.