Hypercoagulable state indicates an additional risk factor for atherosclerosis in Werner's syndrome

To assess the risk factors for atherosclerosis in Werner's syndrome (WS), coagulation/fibrinolytic system parameters and lipid levels were investigated in 9 non-smoker patients with WS and compared with normal control values (N). The levels of thrombin antithrombin III complex (p < 0.05), D-dimer (p < 0.05), tissue plasminogen activator (p < 0.005) and PA inhibitor 1 (p < 0.01) were significantly increased, while the level of thrombomodulin (p < 0.005) in the fasting plasma was significantly decreased in the WS cases compared with N. Lipid profiles confirmed that 8 of the 9 patients were of hyperlipidemia type IIb, 7 had hyperinsulinemia and 5 fulfilled the criteria for clinical diabetes mellitus. The hypercoagulable condition suggested the existence of multiple risk factors for atherosclerosis in WS in addition to the previously reported hyperinsulinemia and hyperlipidemia.