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Updated: Sep 20, 2026

Investigating von Willebrand Factor Pathophysiology Using a Flow Chamber Model of von Willebrand Factor-platelet String Formation
08:30

Investigating von Willebrand Factor Pathophysiology Using a Flow Chamber Model of von Willebrand Factor-platelet String Formation

Published on: August 14, 2017

Interleukin-6, tissue factor and von Willebrand factor in acute decompensated heart failure: relationship to

Bernard S P Chin1, Dwayne S G Conway, Natalie A Y Chung

  • 1Haemostasis, Thrombosis and Vascular Biology Unit, University Department of Medicine, City Hospital, Birmingham, UK.

Blood Coagulation & Fibrinolysis : an International Journal in Haemostasis and Thrombosis
|September 10, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Interleukin-6 (IL-6) elevation contributes to blood clots in acute heart failure by increasing tissue factor (TF) and von Willebrand factor (vWF). These markers may also predict patient prognosis.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Hematology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Arterial thrombotic and thromboembolic complications are increased in congestive heart failure (CHF).
  • Acute decompensated heart failure carries a poor prognosis.
  • Interleukin-6 (IL-6) induces tissue factor (TF), a procoagulant, in experimental models.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of pro-inflammatory IL-6 in thrombosis in heart failure.
  • To determine if IL-6 contributes to endothelial expression of TF, indicated by plasma von Willebrand factor (vWF).

Main Methods:

  • Seventy-seven acute CHF patients, 53 chronic stable CHF patients, and 37 healthy controls were recruited.
  • Plasma levels of IL-6, TF, and vWF were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.
  • Patient outcomes were assessed at 6-month follow-up.

Main Results:

  • Acute CHF patients had elevated baseline IL-6, TF, and vWF compared to chronic CHF and healthy controls.
  • A correlation was found between baseline TF and IL-6 in acute CHF patients.
  • After 3 months of treatment, IL-6 and vWF levels decreased but remained higher than in controls.
  • Higher baseline IL-6, TF, and vWF levels were associated with increased mortality at 6 months.

Conclusions:

  • Elevated IL-6 may contribute to thrombotic complications in acute heart failure via increased TF and vWF.
  • Plasma markers like IL-6, TF, and vWF may be useful for predicting prognosis in acute CHF.
  • Improvement in symptoms and plasma markers after treatment suggests potential clinical utility.

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