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Hypercoagulable state in patients with Takayasu's arteritis
H Akazawa1, U Ikeda, K Yamamoto
1Department of Cardiology, Jichi Medical School, Tochigi, Japan.
Thrombosis and Haemostasis
|May 1, 1996
Summary
Takayasu's arteritis patients show increased platelet activity and coagulation, indicating a hypercoagulable state. This heightened thrombotic tendency contributes to thrombus formation in affected arteries.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Biology
- Hematology
- Rheumatology
Background:
- Thrombus formation is implicated in Takayasu's arteritis pathogenesis.
- Hemostatic conditions in Takayasu's arteritis remain incompletely understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate hemostatic conditions in Takayasu's arteritis.
- To determine plasma levels of markers for platelet activity, thrombotic and fibrinolytic status, and endothelial injury.
Main Methods:
- Measured plasma levels of platelet factor 4 (PF4), beta-thromboglobulin (beta TG), thrombin-antithrombin III complex (TAT), fibrinopeptide A (FPA), plasmin-alpha 2-plasmin inhibitor complex (PIC), D-dimer, von Willebrand factor antigen (vWF:Ag), and thrombomodulin (TM).
- Compared marker levels in 30 Takayasu's arteritis patients versus 20 age-matched controls.
Main Results:
- Significantly elevated PF4, beta TG, TAT, FPA, and D-dimer in Takayasu's arteritis patients compared to controls.
- No significant difference in marker levels between active and inactive disease stages.
- Normal vWF:Ag levels but significantly lower TM levels in patients.
Conclusions:
- Takayasu's arteritis is associated with significantly increased platelet and coagulation activities, leading to a hypercoagulable state.
- This hypercoagulable state promotes thrombus formation despite minimal endothelial damage.
- Hemostatic dysregulation is a key feature of Takayasu's arteritis.