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Prothrombotic abnormalities in inflammatory bowel disease
M G Conlan1, W D Haire, D A Burnett
1Department of Internal Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha 68105-1065.
Digestive Diseases and Sciences
|July 1, 1989
Summary
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients often exhibit thrombotic tendencies. This study found that even inactive IBD is linked to fibrinolysis abnormalities and immune complexes, potentially explaining thrombosis risk.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Hematology
- Immunology
Background:
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is associated with an increased risk of thrombosis.
- Traditional risk factors include thrombocytosis, elevated fibrinogen, and reduced antithrombin III levels.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate laboratory abnormalities associated with thrombosis risk in patients with IBD, particularly those with inactive disease.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study of eight IBD patients, seven with minimal disease activity.
- Assessed fibrinolysis, plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI) levels, tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) release, circulating immune complexes, fibrinogen, and platelet counts.
Main Results:
- Five patients showed fibrinolysis abnormalities: four with high PAI levels, one with poor tPA release.
- Circulating immune complexes were detected in five patients.
- Mildly elevated fibrinogen and thrombocytosis were observed in a few patients; no decreased antithrombin III, protein C, or protein S levels were found.
Conclusions:
- Inactive IBD frequently presents with fibrinolysis abnormalities, potentially contributing to thrombosis.
- Circulating immune complexes may play a role in vascular injury and thrombosis in IBD patients.