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Factor VIII levels in children with thrombosis.
A Emin Kurekci1, Hafize Gokce, Nejat Akar
1Departments of Pediatric Hematology, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey. ekurekci@gata.edu.tr
Summary
Elevated factor VIII (FVIII) levels significantly increase thrombosis risk in children. This study found high FVIII in 59.5% of pediatric patients with thrombo-embolism, suggesting FVIII measurement is crucial for risk assessment.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Hematology
- Thrombosis Research
- Coagulation Disorders
Background:
- Coagulation defects are risk factors for thrombo-embolic disease.
- High factor VIII (FVIII) levels are linked to a 5-6 fold increased thrombosis risk in adults.
- The prevalence of elevated FVIII in pediatric thrombo-embolism (TE) requires investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of elevated plasma factor VIII levels in children diagnosed with thrombo-embolism.
- To compare FVIII levels in pediatric TE patients with healthy controls.
Main Methods:
- A case-control study involving 42 children with TE and 165 healthy controls.
- Diagnosis of TE confirmed via imaging techniques (Doppler ultrasonography, MRI, CT, echocardiography).
- Plasma factor VIII and von Willebrand factor (vWF) levels measured using clotting and immunoturbidometric assays, respectively. Genetic analysis in nine families.
Main Results:
- The median age of TE onset was 7 years.
- Elevated factor VIII levels were found in 59.5% of pediatric TE patients versus 12.1% of controls (OR 10.6).
- High factor VIII levels were present in at least one parent in nine families studied.
Conclusions:
- Elevated plasma factor VIII levels are significantly associated with an increased risk of thrombosis in children.
- Plasma factor VIII concentration measurement should be considered for all pediatric TE patients.
- Findings suggest a potential genetic component to high FVIII levels and pediatric thrombosis.