Hypercoagulation and fibrinolysis in oral sub-mucous fibrosis.

In seven out of seven patients suffering from oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF), we detected circulating molecules that are immunologically similar to fibrinogen (MISFI), as suggested by the hemagglutination inhibition studies using the FDP Kit (Wellcome) and by paracoagulation tests such as serial dilution protamine tests. The ethanol gelation test was positive in three of the seven patients. Cryofibrinogen developed in six of the seven patients within three to six days of incubation of plasma samples at 4 degrees C. Plasma kept at 37 degrees C did not develop any fibrous or amorphous precipitate. In OSMF, fibrinogen, fibrinogen intermediates, and fibrin degradation products deserve further scrutiny, as this may help define the etiology of OSMF which is, so far, obscure.