The effect of age upon the coagulation system

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Hematology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Aging is associated with physiological changes, including alterations in the hemostatic system.
• Understanding age-related changes in coagulation factors is crucial for assessing thrombosis risk in the elderly.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate age and sex differences in coagulation factors (V, VII, VIII, X, XI, XII), platelet count, and antithrombin III levels.
• To explore the relationship between obesity and coagulation factor levels in the elderly.

Main Methods:

• Assayed coagulation factors, platelet count, and antithrombin III in healthy young adults and elderly individuals.
• Measured skinfold thickness to assess obesity in the elderly cohort.

Main Results:

• Factors XI, XII, and antithrombin III showed sex-specific trends with age (increase in women, decrease in men).
• Factors X, VII, and V increased with age in both sexes.
• Platelet count and Factor VIII levels did not differ significantly with age or sex.
• Factor VIII levels were inversely correlated with obesity in elderly males (r = -0.56, p < 0.005).

Conclusions:

• Coagulation factor levels exhibit distinct age- and sex-dependent patterns.
• Obesity in elderly males may be associated with lower Factor VIII levels, warranting further investigation into its clinical implications.