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Endothelial cell activation and hypercoagulability in ocular Behçet's disease
Kiki Probst1, Rob Fijnheer, Aniki Rothova
1F. C. Donders Institute of Ophthalmology and the Department of Hematology, University Medical Center Utrecht, PO Box 85 500, 3508 GA Utrecht, The Netherlands. kprobst@oogh.azu.nl
American Journal of Ophthalmology
|May 6, 2004
Summary
Ocular Behçet's disease patients exhibit a hypercoagulable state and endothelial activation, indicated by elevated coagulation factors like factor VIII. These findings are present regardless of current disease activity.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Ophthalmology
- Rheumatology
Background:
- Behçet's disease is a multisystem inflammatory disorder.
- Ocular involvement is common and can lead to vision loss.
- The prothrombotic potential in ocular Behçet's disease requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate hypercoagulability and endothelial dysfunction in ocular Behçet's disease.
- To correlate these findings with ocular and systemic disease activity.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional laboratory and clinical study was conducted.
- Blood samples from 24 ocular Behçet's disease patients and 40 controls were analyzed.
- Coagulation factors (Factor VIII, XI, vWF, ATIII, Protein C/S, fibrinogen, APC resistance) were measured.
Main Results:
- Patients showed significantly elevated levels of Factor VIII, Factor XI, vWF antigen, vWF ristocetin, ATIII, and fibrinogen compared to controls.
- Elevated Factor VIII activity (>130%) was found in 79% of patients, increasing thrombosis risk.
- Endothelial activation (elevated vWF activity) was observed in 42% of patients.
Conclusions:
- Ocular Behçet's disease is characterized by a generalized hypercoagulable state.
- Endothelial cell activation is present in these patients.
- These prothrombotic changes occur independently of current ocular disease activity.