Blood coagulation and fibrinolysis in thyroid disease

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Hematology
• Immunology

Background:

• Thyroid hormones influence various physiological processes, including hemostasis.
• Coagulation and fibrinolysis are complex systems potentially affected by thyroid status.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between thyroid dysfunction (hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism) and parameters of fibrinolytic activity and factor VIII concentration.
• To determine the sensitivity of factor VIII to changes in thyroid function.

Main Methods:

• Studied 30 patients with hypothyroidism and 7 with hyperthyroidism.
• Assessed fibrinolytic activity (euglobulin lysis time) and factor VIII concentration.
• Correlated findings with serum thyroxine levels, HL-A phenotypes, and thyroid autoantibody titres in hypothyroid patients.

Main Results:

• In hypothyroidism, decreased serum thyroxine correlated with reduced factor VIII concentration and prolonged euglobulin lysis time.
• Factor VIII concentration demonstrated high sensitivity to thyroid function deterioration.
• A significant correlation was observed between the reciprocal of thyroid antibody titres and fibrinolysis.
• Prolonged euglobulin lysis time was noted in most hyperthyroid patients, with factor VIII elevation in a minority.

Conclusions:

• Thyroid dysfunction significantly alters fibrinolytic activity and factor VIII levels.
• Factor VIII is a sensitive marker for thyroid-related hemostatic changes.
• Thyroid autoantibodies may play a role in modulating fibrinolysis.