Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 10, 2026
08:23
Characterization of Sickling During Controlled Automated Deoxygenation with Oxygen Gradient Ektacytometry
Published on: November 5, 2019
Hypercoagulability in sickle cell disease: new approaches to an old problem
1Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, CB# 7305, 3009 Old Clinic Bldg, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7305, USA. kataga@med.unc.edu
Hematology. American Society of Hematology. Education Program
|November 21, 2007
Summary
Patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) show chronic coagulation and platelet activation, suggesting these may drive disease complications. Further research into hypercoagulability and clinical trials are needed to confirm this role.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Vascular Biology
- Thrombosis Research
Background:
- Sickle cell disease (SCD) is characterized by chronic activation of coagulation and platelets, even during steady states.
- Elevated markers of thrombin generation, depleted anticoagulants, and altered fibrinolysis are observed in SCD patients.
- The role of these prothrombotic changes in SCD pathophysiology remains unclear, with debate on whether they are causal or epiphenomenal.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the contribution of hypercoagulability and platelet activation to the pathophysiology of sickle cell disease.
- To explore the potential role of these hemostatic abnormalities in macrovascular thrombotic complications associated with SCD.
- To highlight the need for further research into the pathogenesis of hypercoagulability in SCD.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing evidence on coagulation and platelet activation markers in SCD patients.
- Analysis of the association between prothrombotic states and thrombotic complications in SCD.
- Consideration of soluble CD40 ligand's biological activity in SCD pathophysiology.
Main Results:
- Patients with SCD consistently display markers of increased thrombin generation and chronic platelet activation.
- Evidence suggests that these prothrombotic states may contribute to macrovascular thrombotic events in SCD.
- The precise role of hypercoagulability in SCD pathogenesis requires deeper investigation.
Conclusions:
- Coagulation and platelet activation are significant features of sickle cell disease, potentially contributing to its complications.
- Understanding the pathogenesis of hypercoagulability is crucial for defining its role in SCD.
- Well-controlled clinical trials with anticoagulants and antiplatelet agents are warranted to evaluate therapeutic strategies.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Anticoagulant Drugs: Low-Molecular-Weight Heparins
Hemostasis is a crucial process that prevents excessive blood loss from damaged blood vessels. It involves various mechanisms such as vasoconstriction, platelet adhesion and activation, and fibrin formation. The importance of each mechanism depends on the type of vessel injury. In contrast, thrombosis is the abnormal formation of a blood clot within the blood vessels, leading to potential complications if the clot obstructs blood flow. Thrombosis can be caused by increased coagulability of the...
01:29Venous Thrombosis III: Interprofessional Care
Venous thrombosis requires effective prevention and treatment strategies to improve patient outcomes and reduce potential complications.Prevention StrategiesHealthcare providers must prioritize preventing venous thromboembolism (VTE) for all adult patients upon admission. Interventions depend on bleeding and thrombosis risk, medical history, current medications, diagnoses, planned procedures, and patient preferences. Patients on bed rest should change positions every two hours and, if not...
01:24Disorders of Hemostasis
Hemostasis, the process that stops bleeding after a blood vessel injury, is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the circulatory system. However, disorders of hemostasis can disrupt this delicate balance, leading to either excessive clotting or bleeding. These disorders can be broadly classified into thromboembolic disorders and bleeding disorders.
Thromboembolic Disorders
Two factors primarily cause thromboembolic conditions.
Thromboembolic Disorders
Two factors primarily cause thromboembolic conditions.
01:49Multiple Allele Traits
The Concept of Multiple Allelism
01:06Coagulation
Colloidal solids are solid particles suspended in solution. They are usually negatively charged, attracting a compact primary layer of positively charged ions, which attract more counterions to form an electrical double layer. Electrostatic repulsion between the charged double layers prevents the particles from colliding, stabilizing the colloids. These solids are often undesirable because they can contain toxins that are difficult to remove. Coagulation is a technique that helps aggregate and...
01:09Coagulation
The coagulation phase is a critical part of the body's process to prevent blood loss following injury to blood vessels. It involves chemical reactions that form a clot to seal the injured area. The clotting process begins shortly after injury, within 15-20 seconds for severe damage and 1-2 minutes for minor injuries.
During the coagulation phase, clotting factors, or procoagulants, play a vital role in initiating and progressing the coagulation cascade. This cascade is a series of reactions...
During the coagulation phase, clotting factors, or procoagulants, play a vital role in initiating and progressing the coagulation cascade. This cascade is a series of reactions...