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Updated: Sep 30, 2026

Investigating von Willebrand Factor Pathophysiology Using a Flow Chamber Model of von Willebrand Factor-platelet String Formation
Published on: August 14, 2017
Von Willebrand factor-cleaving protease (ADAMTS13) in thrombocytopenic disorders: a severely deficient activity is
Valentina Bianchi1, Rodolfo Robles, Lorenzo Alberio
1Central Hematology Laboratory, University Hospital, Inselspital, Bern, Switzerland.
A severe deficiency in von Willebrand factor-cleaving protease (ADAMTS13) activity (< 5% that in normal plasma) has been observed in most patients with a diagnosis of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) but not in those with a diagnosis of hemolytic uremic syndrome. However, ADAMTS13 deficiency has been claimed not to be specific for TTP, since it was observed in various thrombocytopenic and other conditions. We studied 68 patients with thrombocytopenia due to severe sepsis or septic shock (n = 17), heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (n = 16), idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (n = 10), or other hematologic (n = 15) or miscellaneous conditions (n = 10). Twelve of the 68 patients had subnormal levels of ADAMTS13 activity (
A severe deficiency in von Willebrand factor-cleaving protease (ADAMTS13) activity (< 5% that in normal plasma) has been observed in most patients with a diagnosis of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) but not in those with a diagnosis of hemolytic uremic syndrome. However, ADAMTS13 deficiency has been claimed not to be specific for TTP, since it was observed in various thrombocytopenic and other conditions. We studied 68 patients with thrombocytopenia due to severe sepsis or septic shock (n = 17), heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (n = 16), idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (n = 10), or other hematologic (n = 15) or miscellaneous conditions (n = 10). Twelve of the 68 patients had subnormal levels of ADAMTS13 activity (
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