Increased P-selectin plasma levels in patients with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura

• Published in: Haematologica (Roma) 1996-01, Vol.81 (1), p.3-7
• Main Authors: Vianelli, N, Catani, L, Gugliotta, L, Nocentini, F, Baravelli, S, Lancellotti, G, Tura, S
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adult; Biological and medical sciences; Blood Platelets - physiology; Case-Control Studies; Female; Hematologic and hematopoietic diseases; Humans; Male; Medical sciences; Middle Aged; P-Selectin - blood; Platelet diseases and coagulopathies; Purpura, Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic - blood; Purpura, Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic - therapy; Remission Induction
• ISSN: 0390-6078; 1592-8721

Hematology Institute "Seragnoli", University of Bologna, Italy. BACKGROUND: Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is a rare vascular disorder of unknown etiology. There is evidence to support the hypothesis that platelets and endothelium play a pivotal pathogenetic role. Immunological assays for plasma thrombomodulin and P-selectin levels have recently been made available and they allow simple evaluation of endothelial damage and endothelial/platelet activation, respectively. In this study, we measured the plasma levels of thrombomodulin, P-selectin and von Willebrand factor in 9 TTP patients during active disease and at the time of complete remission (CR). METHODS: Thrombomodulin, P-selectin and von Willebrand factor were measured by enzyme immunoassay. RESULTS: Mean thrombomodulin and von Willebrand factor plasma values were always within the normal range. P-selectin plasma levels, both in the active phase of the disease and in CR (median 312 and 185 ng/mL, respectively), were significantly higher than in normal controls (mean 96 +/- 35 ng/mL, mean 88 ng/mL; p