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  • Title: von Willebrand factor and procoagulant imbalance predict outcome in patients with cirrhosis and thrombocytopenia.
    Author: Kalambokis GN, Oikonomou A, Christou L, Kolaitis NI, Tsianos EV, Christodoulou D, Baltayiannis G.
    Journal: J Hepatol; 2016 Nov; 65(5):921-928. PubMed ID: 27297911.
    Abstract:
    BACKGROUND & AIMS: Several lines of evidence suggest that the hemostatic disorders of cirrhosis may have a significant clinical impact. We investigated the independent predictive value of components of the hemostatic system on the occurrence of ascites, variceal bleeding (VB), and survival. METHODS: One hundred and two patients with thrombocytopenia (Child-Pugh class A/B/C: 34/34/34) were enrolled. Platelet counts, factors (F) II, V, VII, and VIII, antithrombin, protein C (PC), FVIII-to-PC ratio as an index of procoagulant imbalance, von Willebrand factor antigen (vWF-Ag), and model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) were evaluated. Two multivariate analyses were performed: one excluding (model 1) and one including MELD (model 2). RESULTS: Higher vWF-Ag levels and FVIII-to-PC ratios were the most prominent hemostatic disorders in patients with cirrhosis. Increased levels of vWF-Ag and FVIII, and higher FVIII-to-PC ratios independently predicted the presence of ascites and varices at baseline. Independent predictors of ascites and VB during follow-up were vWF-Ag (model 1/2: p=0.001/p=0.009 and p=0.008/p=0.01, respectively) and FVIII-to-PC ratio (model 1/2: p=0.003/p=0.02 and p=0.01/p=0.03, respectively). vWF-Ag (model 1/2: p=0.007/p=0.002), FVIII-to-PC ratio (model 1/2: p=0.001/p=0.01), and MELD (p=0.02) independently predicted mortality. Patient groups with significantly higher probability of new-onset ascites, VB, and mortality were identified by certain cut-offs of vWF-Ag (213%, 466%, and 321%, respectively) and FVIII-to-PC ratio (1.99, 3.29, and 2.36, respectively). vWF-Ag and FVIII-to-PC ratio equaled MELD in mortality prediction. CONCLUSIONS: Advanced cirrhosis is characterized by increased thrombotic potential. vWF-Ag and FVIII-to-PC ratio independently predict new-onset ascites, VB, and mortality. Targeting hypercoagulability could improve the outcome of patients with cirrhosis. LAY SUMMARY: Higher von Willebrand factor antigen (vWF-Ag) levels and factor VIII-to-protein C (FVIII-to-PC) ratio are the prominent hemostatic disorders in patients with cirrhosis. vWF-Ag and FVIII-to-PC ratio independently predict new-onset ascites, variceal bleeding, and mortality in these patients.
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