Due to blood derivative requirements, many patients with hemophilia were exposed to Hepatitis C virus infection (HCV) before the availability of HCV testing. We report a 46-year-old male with Hemophilia A with a hepatitis virus C infection since 2004 causing a cirrhosis. Due to a hepatopulmonary syndrome, he received a liver allograph using a factor VIII replacement protocol, after eradicating the virus C. He had a good postoperative evolution, and no more factor VIII was required after transplantation until his last assessment.

Exercise and cardiac rehabilitation are indications with type I A evidence in most secondary cardiovascular prevention guidelines. Rehabilitation programs not only include exercise but also provide integral care and education about cardiovascular risk factors. However there is a paucity of such programs in Chile. Moreover there is a lack of awareness about the benefits of exercise and there is lack of knowledge about the details of exercise prescription in secondary prevention. Therefore, the divulgation of this knowledge is of utmost importance.

Background: Health promotion can be carried out at work places. Aim: To assess cardiovascular risk factors among workers of a University hospital. Material and Methods: Cross sectional study of 888 participants (aged 41 ± 11 years, 76% women), who answered a survey about cardiovascular risk factors. Body mass index, waist, blood pressure and total cholesterol (TC) by capillary method were determined. Results: Self reported prevalence of risk factors were as follows: 19% of participants had high blood pressure, 30% hypercholesterolemia, 6% diabetes, 41% smoked, 88% were sedentary and 26% had a family history of cardiovascular diseases. Five percent of participants did not have any risk factor, 20% had one risk factor, 32% had two and 43% had three or more. The highest frequency of lack of awareness was about blood glucose values. A high blood cholesterol level was found in 27% of those reporting normal cholesterol levels. Likewise, a high body mass index was found in 18% of those reporting a normal weight. Conclusions: The prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors in this group of participants is similar to that found in the last national health survey in Chile. Noteworthy is the lack of awareness about these risk factors.

FUNDAMENTO: Existem evidências indicando que o controle pressórico é mais efetivo na redução de complicações macrovasculares do diabete melito (DM) do que o controle glicêmico. No entanto, a redução da PA para os níveis recomendados pelas diretrizes é difícil na prática clínica. OBJETIVO: Avaliar o percentual de pacientes que apresentavam simultaneamente DM tipo 2 e hipertensão arterial sistêmica (HAS), atendidos em hospital terciário, com controle pressórico adequado, e determinar os fatores clínicos e laboratoriais associados. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal com 348 pacientes com DM tipo 2 e HAS atendidos no ambulatório de Endocrinologia do Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre. Os pacientes foram submetidos à anamnese, exame físico, com medida da pressão arterial (PA), e foi coletada amostra de sangue e urina para análise laboratorial. Os pacientes foram divididos em três grupos: controle pressórico ideal (< 130/80 mmHg), regular (130-139/80-89 mmHg) ou inadequado (≥ 140/90 mmHg). RESULTADOS: A média de idade foi de 61,2 ± 10,1 anos (46% homens, 80% brancos) e a duração do DM, 14,8 ± 9,5 anos. Do total de pacientes, 17% apresentavam valores ideais de PA, 22% regulares e 61% inadequados. Os pacientes com controle inadequado da PA apresentavam maior duração do DM, cintura abdominal e glicemia de jejum. As demais variáveis foram semelhantes nos três grupos. CONCLUSÃO: A maioria dos pacientes avaliados apresentou controle inadequado da PA. Valores mais elevados de PA estão associados a um perfil clínico adverso, representado por maior duração do DM, obesidade abdominal, maior glicemia de jejum e complicações crônicas do DM.

BACKGROUND: There is evidence indicating that blood pressure control is more effective in reducing macrovascular complications of diabetes mellitus (DM) than glycemic control. However, the reduction in BP to levels recommended by international guidelines is difficult in clinical practice. OBJECTIVE: To assess the percentage of patients with both type 2 diabetes and hypertension (HBP) assisted in a tertiary hospital with adequate blood pressure control and to determine the clinical and laboratory factors related. METHODS: Cross-sectional study with 348 patients with type 2 diabetes and hypertension assisted in the outpatient clinic of Endocrinology, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre. Patients underwent history assessment, physical examination, with measurement of blood pressure (BP), and samples were collected from blood and urine for laboratory analysis. Patients were divided into 3 three groups: optimal (< 130/80 mmHg), regular (130-139/80-89 mmHg) or inadequate blood pressure control (≥ 140/90 mmHg). RESULTS: The mean age was 61.2 ± 10.1 years (46% men, 80% white) and DM duration, 14.8 ± 9.5 years. Eighteen per cent of the patients studied, 17% of patients had optimal BP value, 22% regular BP value and 61% inadequate BP value. Patients with inadequate BP control had longer diabetes duration, waist circumference and fasting glucose. The other variables were similar in 3 groups. CONCLUSION: Most patients assessed had inadequate BP control. Higher BP values are associated with an adverse clinical profile, represented by longer diabetes duration, abdominal obesity, higher fasting glucose and chronic complications of diabetes.

FUNDAMENTO: Hay evidencias indicando que el control de presión es más efectivo en la reducción de complicaciones macrovasculares de la diabetes melito (DM) que el control glucémico. Sin embargo, la reducción de la PA para los niveles recomendados por las directrices es difícil en la práctica clínica. OBJETIVO: Evaluar el porcentual de pacientes que presentaban simultáneamente DM tipo 2 y hipertensión arterial sistémica (HAS), atendidos en hospital terciario, con control de presión adecuado, y determinar los factores clínicos y laboratoriales asociados. MÉTODOS: Estudio transversal con 348 pacientes con DM tipo 2 y HAS atendidos en el ambulatorio de Endocrinología del Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre. Los pacientes fueron sometidos a anamnesis, examen físico, con medición de la presión arterial (PA), y se recolectó muestra de sangre y orina para análisis laboratorial. Los pacientes se dividieron en tres grupos: control de presión ideal (< 130/80 mmHg), regular (130-139/80-89 mmHg) o inadecuado (> 140/90 mmHg). RESULTADOS: El promedio de edad fue de 61,2 ± 10,1 años (el 46% hombre, 80% blanco) y la duración del DM, 14,8 ± 9,5 años. Del total de pacientes, el 17% expresaba valores ideales de PA, el 22% regular y el 61% inadecuados. Los pacientes con control inadecuado de la PA expresaban mayor duración del DM, cintura abdominal y glucemia de ayuno. Las demás variables se asemejaron en los tres grupos. CONCLUSIÓN: La mayoría de los pacientes evaluados presentó control inadecuado de la PA. Valores más elevados de PA están asociados a un perfil clínico adverso, representado por mayor duración del DM, obesidad abdominal, mayor glucemia de ayuno y complicaciones crónicas del DM.

FUNDAMENTO: O gene ecto-nucleotídeo pirofosfatase/fosfodiesterase 1 (ENPP1) é um gene candidato à resistência insulínica. A resistência à insulina é um componente importante da síndrome metabólica e tem sido implicada no desenvolvimento de doença cardíaca isquêmica (DCI). OBJETIVO: Avaliar a associação entre o polimorfismo K121Q do gene ENPP1 e a presença da DCI em pacientes caucasianos com diabete melito (DM) tipo 2. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal foi realizado em pacientes com DM tipo 2 (n=573; 50,6% homens; idade 59,5±10,4 anos). DCI foi definida pela presença de angina ou infarto agudo do miocárdio pelo questionário cardiovascular da Organização Mundial da Saúde e/ou alterações compatíveis no ECG (código Minnesota) ou cintilografia miocárdica. O polimorfismo K121Q foi genotipado através da técnica de PCR e digestão enzimática. RESULTADOS: DCI esteve presente em 209 (36,5%) pacientes. A frequência dos genótipos KK, KQ e QQ entre os pacientes com DCI foi 60,8%, 34,4% e 4,8%, semelhante à distribuição dos genótipos entre os pacientes sem DCI (64,0%, 32,7% e 3,3%, P = 0,574). Não se observou diferença nas características clínicas ou laboratoriais entre os três genótipos, nem em relação à presença de síndrome metabólica. CONCLUSÃO: Nenhuma associação foi encontrada entre o polimorfismo K121A do gene ENPP1 e a presença de DCI ou características fenotípicas de resistência insulínica.

BACKGROUND: The ecto-nucleotide pyrophosphatase/phosphodiesterase 1 (ENPP1) gene is a candidate gene for insulin resistance. Insulin resistance is a major component of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and has been implicated in ischemic heart disease (IHD). OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association between the K121Q polymorphism of the ENPP1 gene and IHD in white patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed in type 2 DM patients (n = 573, 50.6% males, age 59.5±10.4 years). IHD was defined by the presence of angina or myocardial infarction according to the Worth Health Organization cardiovascular questionnaire and/or compatible electrocardiographic (Minnesota Code), or perfusional abnormalities in myocardial scintigraphy. The K121Q polymorphism of ENPP1 gene was genotyped using PCR-based methods and restriction enzyme digestion. RESULTS: IHD was present in 209 (36.5%) patients. The distribution of KK, KQ and QQ genotypes among patients with IHD was 60.8%, 34.4% and 4.8%, not different from the genotype distribution in the group without IHD (64%, 32.7% and 3.3%, P=0.574). No difference was found in the clinical and laboratory characteristics between the three genotypes, neither regarding the prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome. CONCLUSION: No association was found between polymorphism K121A of ENPP1 gene and the presence of IHD.

FUNDAMENTO: El gen ecto-nucleótido pirofosfatasa/fosfodiesterasa 1 (ENPP1) es un gen candidato a la resistencia insulínica. La resistencia a la insulina es un componente importante del síndrome metabólico y ha sido involucrada en el desarrollo de enfermedad cardiaca isquémica (ECI). OBJETIVO: Evaluar la asociación entre el polimorfismo K121Q del gen ENPP1 y la presencia de ECI en pacientes caucásicos con diabetes melitus (DM) tipo 2. MÉTODOS: SE Realizó un estudio transversal en pacientes con DM tipo 2 (n=573; 50,6% hombres; edad 59,5±10,4 años). Se definió la ECI por la presencia de angina o infarto agudo de miocardio mediante el cuestionario cardiovascular de la Organización Mundial de la Salud y/o alteraciones compatibles en el ECG (código Minnesota) o centellograma miocárdico. El polimorfismo K121Q fue genotipificado mediante la técnica de PCR y digestión enzimática. RESULTADOS: La ECI estuvo presente en 209 (36,5%) pacientes. La frecuencia de los genotipos KK, KQ y QQ entrel os pacientes con ECI fue del 60,8%, 34,4% y 4,8%, semejante a la distribución de los genotipos entre los pacientes sin ECI (64,0%, 32,7% y 3,3%, P = 0,574). No se observó diferencia en las características clínicas o de laboratorio entre los tres genotipos, ni en relación con la presencia de síndrome metabólico. CONCLUSIÓN: No se encontró ninguna asociación entre el polimorfismo K121A del gen ENPP1 y la presencia de ECI o características fenotípicas de resistencia insulínica.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a prevalência de complicações crônicas vasculares e fatores associados em pacientes com diabetes mellitus (DM) tipo 1. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal com pacientes DM tipo 1 atendidos no Serviço de Endocrinologia do Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre. Os pacientes foram avaliados quanto à presença de complicações crônicas vasculares. RESULTADOS: Avaliamos 573 pacientes, idade média de 33 anos. A presença de retinopatia diabética (RD) foi observada em 43,3%, o tempo de DM [RC: 1,07; IC95% 1,03-1,11; P < 0,001], presença de nefropatia diabética (ND) [RC 3,40; IC95% 1,89 - 6,13; P <0,001] e presença de hipertensão (HAS) [RC:2,12; IC95% 1,16 - 3,87; P = 0,014] foram associados com RD. A ND esteve presente em 34,5% e foi associada à presença de HAS [RC: 1.93; IC95% (1,16-3,21); P = 0,001] e colesterol total [RC: 1,0; IC 95% (1,0-1,01); P = 0,05]. Sete pacientes apresentaram doença macrovascular. Apenas 22% atingiram níveis de HbA1c <7,0%. A prevalência de HAS foi 33%, sendo que 48% estavam com a PA <130/80 mm Hg e 45% dos pacientes apresentaram valores de LDL >100 mg/dl. CONCLUSÃO: Observamos elevadas prevalências de complicações microvasculares e de HAS. A duração do DM, HAS e presença de ND foram associados à RD. HAS e dislipidemia foram associados à ND. A maioria dos pacientes encontrava-se fora dos alvos desejados de controle glicêmico, pressórico e lipídico. Maiores esforços são necessários para intensificar o controle metabólico e pressórico de pacientes com DM tipo 1.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prevalence of chronic vascular complications and associated factors in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM). METHODS: Cross sectional study with type 1 DM patients attending the Endocrine Division, Hospital de Clinicas de Porto Alegre. Patients were evaluated for presence of chronic vascular complications. RESULTS: We evaluated 573 patients, mean age of 33 years. The presence of diabetic retinopathy (DR) was observed in 43.3%, diabetes duration [OR: 1.07, 95% CI: 1.03 to 1.11, P <0001], the presence of diabetic nephropathy (DN) [OR: 3.40; CI 95%: 1.89 to 6.13, P <0001] and hypertension (HPT) [OR: 2.12, 95% CI: 1.16 to 3.87, P = 0014] were associated with DR. The DN was present in 34.5% and was associated with HPT [OR: 1.93, 95% CI: 1.16 to 3.21, P = 0001] and total cholesterol [OR: 1.0, 95% CI: 1.0-1.01, P = 0.05]. Seven patients had macrovascular disease. Only 22% achieved an A1c of <7.0%. HPT was 33% and 48% had levels <130/80 mm Hg and 45% of patients had values for LDL> 100 mg/dl. CONCLUSION: We observed a high prevalence of microvascular complications and HPT. Duration of DM, HPT and presence of DN were associated with DR. HPT and dyslipidemia were associated with DN. Most patients did not meet the desired glycemic control, blood pressure and lipid targets. Greater efforts are needed to intensify the pressure and metabolic control of patients with type 1 DM.

Metástases de neoplasias para hipófise são incomuns e ocorrem em até 1% dos tumores de hipófise. Apresentamos o caso de um homem de 74 anos de idade com progressiva deterioração visual nos 30 dias que antecederam seu atendimento. Ele negava cefaleia ou poliúria e queixava-se de constipação intestinal. O paciente havia sido submetido à nefrectomia radical para carcinoma de células renais cinco anos antes, seguida de quimioterapia e radioterapia por metástases pulmonares e parotídea. Ao exame oftalmológico, apresentava paralisia do nervo abducente esquerdo e hemianopsia bitemporal. A ressonância magnética demonstrou uma massa selar com extensão suprasselar comprimindo o quiasma óptico. Na avaliação endocrinológica apresentava insuficiência adrenal e gonadal centrais. O paciente foi submetido à ressecção transesfenoidal da lesão que, ao exame anatomopatológico, se revelou como carcinoma de células renais. Esse caso demonstra que a presença de lesões metastáticas na hipófise pode mimetizar sinais e sintomas de macroadenoma não funcionante e que o diabetes insípido central, comum nas lesões metastáticas para hipófise, pode estar ausente.

Metastatic tumors involving the pituitary gland are an uncommon finding and occur in up to 1% of all pituitary tumor resections. A 74-year-old man had progressive vision deterioration, over the 30 days prior to consultation. He did not complain of headache or polyuria, but referred to intestinal constipation. Five years ago, he underwent a right radical nephrectomy for renal cell carcinoma, followed by chemotherapy and radiotherapy for lung and parotid metastases. On ophthalmologic examination, there was a left abducens nerve palsy and bitemporal hemianopia. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated a sellar mass with suprasellar cistern extension compressing the optic chiasm. Endocrinological evaluation revealed central adrenal and gonadal insufficiencies. The patient underwent a transsphenoidal tumor resection that revealed renal cell carcinoma. This case illustrates that metastatic pituitary lesions can mimic typical symptoms and signs of pituitary macroadenoma. Furthermore, clinical diabetes insipidus, a common finding of pituitary metastases, can be absent.

OBJETIVOS: Determinar a prevalência de RD e seus fatores de risco em pacientes com DM tipo 1 atendidos em um hospital geral. MÉTODOS: Foi realizado um estudo transversal com 437 pacientes (50,3% homens, 82,4% brancos). RD foi agrupada em: 1) ausente; 2) não proliferativa leve e moderada (RDNP leve/moderada); 3) não prolifetiva grave e RD proliferativa (RD avançada). Edema de mácula clinicamente significativo (EMCS) também foi registrado. RESULTADOS: Qualquer grau de RD esteve presente em 44,4% dos pacientes. Na análise multivariada, duração do DM, pressão arterial sistólica e teste A1C foram associados com a RD leve/moderada (P<0,005). RD avançada foi associada com duração do DM, pressão arterial sistólica (PAS), fumo [razão de chances (RC) 2,75, IC 95% 1,15-6,60] e micro-ou macroalbuminúria (RC 8,53, CI 95% 3,81-18,05). EMCS esteve presente em 21 (9,4%) dos pacientes associado ao fumo, aumentando com a gravidade da RD (16,4% RD avançada; 9,6% RD leve/modera, e 4,7% no grupo sem RD; P = 0,020). CONCLUSÃO: Pacientes com DM tipo 1 vistos em um hospital geral têm uma alta prevalência de RD, a qual foi associada aos fatores de risco tradicionais e fumo.

OBJECTIVES: Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is the leading cause of legal blindness in young adults. Scarce data from Brazilian subjects with type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM) are available. Aims: The objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence of DR and its risk factors in type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM) outpatients from a general hospital. METHODS:A cross-sectional study of 437 type 1 DM (50.3% males, 82.4% whites) was conducted. DR was graded as absent, mild and moderate non-proliferative DR (mild/moderate NPDR) or severe non-proliferative and proliferative DR (advanced DR). Presence of clinically significant macular edema (CSME) was also recorded. RESULTS: Any DR was present in 44.4% of subjects. In multivariate analysis, DM duration, systolic blood pressure (SBP) and A1C test were associated with mild/moderate NPDR (P<0.005). Advanced DR, was associated with DM duration, SBP, smoking [odds ratio (OR) 2.75, 95%CI 1.15-6.60] and micro-or macroalbuminuria (OR 8.53, 95%CI 3.81-18.05). CSME was present in 21 (9.4%) patients and was associated with smoking (OR 3.19, 95%CI 1.24-8.2). Its frequency increased with the severity of DR (16.4% in advanced DR, 9.6% in mild/moderate NPDR, and 4.7% in the group without DR; P = 0.020). CONCLUSION: Patients with type 1 DM attending an endocrine out-patient clinic at a general hospital had a high prevalence of DR associated with traditional risk-factors and smoking.

OBJETIVO: A prevalência das complicações crônicas do Diabetes mellitus (DM) é maior nos negros. A razão para esse achado é desconhecida. O objetivo desse estudo é analisar os fatores de risco para doença micro e macrovascular em pacientes com DM tipo 2 de acordo com a etnia. MÉTODOS: Foi realizado estudo transversal avaliando 780 pacientes. Todos pacientes realizaram avaliação clinico/ laboratorial. A etnia foi autoreferida em branca (n = 585) ou negra (n = 195). RESULTADOS: Os pacientes negros apresentaram níveis menores de triglicerídeos [115 (35-892) vs. 152 (34-1236) mg/dl; P <0.001] e maiores de HDL colesterol que os brancos (48.3 ± 13.5 vs. 44.8 ± 12.1 mg/dl; P = 0.002). Não houve diferença entre os grupos quanto à glicemia de jejum, teste A1c, LDL e colesterol total, níveis pressóricos, insulina e Homa-ir. Não houve diferença no uso de medicações (estatinas: 18.5 vs. 19.3%, P = 1.000; fibratos: 1.5 vs. 0.7%, P = 0.680; inibidores da enzima conversora da angiotensina: 39.5 vs. 43.8%, P = 0.375; acido acetilsaliscílico: 29.9 vs. 27.7%, P = 0.673). CONCLUSÃO: Não houve diferença na prevalência dos fatores de risco convencionais para doença micro e macrovascular entre os grupos étnicos. O estudo de fatores não-convencionais e genéticos é essencial para a elucidação dos determinantes dos piores desfechos apresentados pela população diabética afrobrasileira.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of chronic complications in type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) is higher in black patients. The reason for this finding is still unknown. The objective of this study was to analyze the micro and macrovascular risk factor profile of type 2 DM patients without advanced diabetic nephropathy according to ethnicity. METHODS: A cross-sectional multicentric regional study was conducted evaluating 780 patients. All patients were submitted to clinical and laboratory evaluation. Ethnicity was self-reported as white (n = 585) or black (n = 195). RESULTS: Black patients had lower triglycerides [115 (35-892) vs. 152 (34-1236) mg/dl; P <0.001] and higher HDL-cholesterol levels than whites (48.3 ± 13.5 vs. 44.8 ± 12.1 mg/dl; P = 0.002).White and black patients did not differ regarding fasting plasma glucose, A1c test, total and LDL cholesterol, blood pressure levels, insulin and HOMA-IR. There were no differences between groups regarding medication in use (statin: 18.5 vs. 19.3%, P = 1.000; fibrates: 1.5 vs. 0.7%, P = 0.680; angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors: 39.5 vs. 43.8%, P = 0.375; acetylsalicylic acid: 29.9 vs. 27.7%, P = 0.673). CONCLUSIONS: There were no differences in the prevalence of the classic micro and macrovascular risk factors between ethnic groups. The study of non-conventional risk factors and genetic factors is essential to understand determinants of the worst outcomes presented by the African-Brazilian population.

A retinopatia diabética (RD) acomete cerca de 95% dos pacientes com diabetes melito tipo 1 (DM1) e 60% dos pacientes com diabetes melito tipo 2 (DM2), sendo a principal causa de cegueira legal em adultos. O objetivo desse manuscrito foi revisar os principais fatores de risco para RD. Os fatores de risco ambientais mais importantes são a hiperglicemia sustentada, os valores elevados de pressão arterial e a longa duração de DM. Entretanto, nem todos os pacientes desenvolvem RD, o que sugere a presença de fatores genéticos, em especial para as formas graves de RD. Diferentes estratégias têm sido utilizadas para avaliar o papel da genética na RD. Estudos de famílias demonstraram agregação familiar de RD. Genes candidatos têm sido estudados (RAGE; VEGF; PPAR-delta; ICAM-1; ECA; ENPP 1; eNOS), observando-se associações positivas ou negativas com a RD. Também alguns cromossomos, em populações selecionadas, foram associados à RD. Finalmente, estudos de expressão genética reforçam a associação de genes candidatos, ou determinam a participação de outros, com a presença da RD. A RD é uma complicação freqüente do DM e junto com os fatores não-genéticos ou ambientais, a identificação de genes relacionados à RD poderá resultar tratamentos mais específicos e eficazes para a RD.

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) occurs in about 95% of patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM) and in 60% of type 2 DM patients and it is the main cause of legal blindness in adult people. The aim of this manuscript was to review the main risk factors for DR. The major environmental risk factors are hyperglycemia, high blood pressure levels, and long-term duration of DM. However, not all patients will not develop DR, suggesting the presence of a genetic predisposition to DR, especially for severe forms of DR. Special strategies has been used to evaluate the genetic role in DR. Family studies shown that there is a familial aggregation of DR. Candidates genes have been studied (RAGE; VEGF; PPAR-delta; ICAM-1; ECA; ENPP 1; eNOS) and positive or negative associations with DR were demonstrated. Some chromosomes were also associated to DR in selected populations. Finally, genetic expression studies reinforce the association of candidate genes, or participation of others genes, with the presence of DR. DR is a common complication of DM and, along with non-genetic or environmental risk factors, the identification of genes related to DR could result in more specific and efficient DR treatment.

Background: Atrial fibrillation is associated to a high risk of systemic embolism and to hypercoagulability. Aim: To evaluate the activation of the coagulation cascade through determinations of the thrombin-antithrombin complex in patients with atrial fibrillation and to correlate this data with the clinical and echocardiographic risk factors for systemic embolism. Patients and Methods: In 53 patients with atrial fibrillation plasma levels of the thrombin-antithrombin complex were determined on admission to a coronary care unit and 30 days later. Using a univariate and multiple regression analysis, the association basal thrombin-antithrombin with the duration of the arrhythmia, age over 70 years, previous use of antiplatelet agents, history of hypertension, mitral valve disease, diabetes, heart failure, previous systemic embolism, left atrial diameter and the presence of spontaneous contrast echo or thrombus in the left atrial appendage, was studied. Results: Basal thrombin-antithrombin values were 40.1±69 mg/L (Median 8.34 [3.0-47.5]) compared to 2.7±3.3 mg/L in healthy controls (p <0.001). No significant correlation was found between activation of the coagulation cascade and risk factors for systemic embolism. There were no significant differences in thrombin-antithrombin values between patients with chronic or paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (29.5±43 mg/L and 49.4±83 mg/L respectively). Mean thrombin-antithrombin values in patients under antiplatelet agents were lower than in those without treatment (17.3±43 vs 66.8±127 mg/L; p=0.018). Conclusions: The activation of the coagulation cascade in patients with atrial fibrillation was confirmed. However, no association of this activation with well known clinical and echocardiographic risk factors for systemic embolism, was found. Previous antiplatelet treatment prevented a higher activation of the coagulation cascade (Rev Méd Chile 2002; 130: 1087-94)