Haemostatic Parameters in Patients with Behçet's Disease

Area of Science:

• Rheumatology
• Hematology
• Vascular Biology

Background:

• Behçet's disease (BD) is associated with a high risk of thrombosis.
• Previous studies on coagulation and fibrinolytic parameters in BD patients have yielded inconsistent results.
• Understanding the underlying mechanisms of thrombosis in BD is crucial for patient management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the potential causes of thrombosis in Behçet's disease patients.
• To evaluate specific hemostatic parameters in Omani BD patients and compare them to healthy controls.
• To identify any thrombophilic factors contributing to the increased thrombotic tendency in BD.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of hemostatic parameters in 35 Omani BD patients and 30 healthy controls.
• Assessed levels of factor VIII:C, activated protein C resistance (APCR), von Willebrand factor (vWF) antigens and activity, antithrombin (AT), protein C, protein S, homocysteine, and markers of the fibrinolytic system.
• Screened for lupus anticoagulant, anticardiolipin antibodies, and anti-beta2-glycoprotein-1 antibodies.

Main Results:

• Significantly higher mean levels of factor VIII:C, vWF antigens, antithrombin, and protein S were observed in BD patients compared to controls.
• No deficiency in protein C was found, and screening for APCR, lupus anticoagulant, and antiphospholipid antibodies was negative.
• No significant differences in homocysteine levels or thrombosis occurrence were noted between patients and controls, and elevated factor VIII:C normalized upon re-testing.

Conclusions:

• Elevated levels of factor VIII:C, vWF antigens, and antithrombin in BD patients likely represent an acute phase reaction.
• The study did not identify specific thrombophilic factors that explain the heightened thrombotic risk in Behçet's disease.
• Further research is recommended to explore the role of endothelial dysfunction and vasculitis in BD-associated thrombosis.