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A Porcine Model of Acute Autologous Pulmonary Embolism
Published on: September 6, 2024
Platelet activation in acute pulmonary embolism
1Department of Cardiology, Concord Hospital, ANZAC Research Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.
Journal of Thrombosis and Haemostasis : JTH
|March 21, 2007
Summary
Platelet activation occurs in acute pulmonary embolism (PE) and is linked to right ventricular (RV) dysfunction. These markers of platelet activation can persist for months post-PE.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Hematology
- Pulmonary Medicine
Background:
- Platelet activation is a known factor in thrombotic disorders.
- Its role in acute clinical pulmonary embolism (PE) has not been previously described.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the natural history of platelet activation in patients with acute PE.
- To examine associated markers of inflammation, thrombosis, and cardiac dysfunction.
Main Methods:
- Prospective enrollment of 35 consecutive acute PE patients, followed for 6 months.
- Assessment of platelet activation via flow cytometry (P-selectin, PAC-1, platelet-leukocyte complexes) and plasma soluble P-selectin.
- Measurement of right ventricular (RV) function, D-dimer, and hs-CRP at baseline and during follow-up.
Main Results:
- Significantly increased soluble P-selectin and PAC-1 binding in acute PE patients compared to controls.
- Platelet P-selectin expression and platelet-leukocyte complexes were not elevated.
- RV ejection area correlated inversely with soluble P-selectin and positively with platelet P-selectin, indicating correlation with RV dysfunction severity.
- Elevated soluble P-selectin, D-dimer, and hs-CRP normalized over the 6-month follow-up period.
Conclusions:
- Platelet activation is demonstrably present following acute PE.
- The degree of platelet activation correlates with the severity of RV dysfunction.
- Evidence of platelet activation can persist for several months after an acute PE event.
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