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Von Willebrand factor and mitral valve prolapse
P Froom1, T Margulis, E Grenadier
1Institute of Hematology, Lady Davis Carmel Hospital, Haifa, Israel.
Thrombosis and Haemostasis
|October 31, 1988
Summary
Patients with mitral valve prolapse (MVP) often have lower von Willebrand factor (vWF:Ag) levels, potentially explaining increased nosebleeds. Congestive heart failure in MVP patients normalized vWF:Ag levels.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Hematology
Background:
- Mitral valve prolapse (MVP) is a common cardiac condition.
- von Willebrand factor (vWF:Ag) plays a crucial role in hemostasis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between von Willebrand factor antigen (vWF:Ag) levels and mitral valve prolapse (MVP).
- To explore potential correlations between vWF:Ag levels, MVP, and associated clinical manifestations like epistaxis and congestive heart failure.
Main Methods:
- Quantitative measurement of vWF:Ag levels in 27 patients diagnosed with MVP.
- Comparison of vWF:Ag levels between MVP patients and 27 age-matched healthy controls.
- Subgroup analysis of MVP patients with congestive heart failure secondary to ruptured chordae tendineae.
Main Results:
- Significantly lower mean vWF:Ag levels were observed in MVP patients (68 ± 30%) compared to controls (100 ± 23%, p < 0.001).
- 59% of MVP patients exhibited decreased vWF:Ag levels (<80%), versus only 7% in the control group (p < 0.001).
- MVP patients with congestive heart failure showed normal vWF:Ag levels (95 ± 32%), not significantly different from controls.
Conclusions:
- A significant association exists between mitral valve prolapse and reduced von Willebrand factor antigen levels.
- Low vWF:Ag levels in MVP patients may contribute to an increased incidence of epistaxis (nosebleeds).
- Elevated vWF:Ag release in MVP patients with congestive heart failure may normalize circulating levels in this subgroup.