A chronic hypercoagulable state and life-long platelet activation in beta thalassemia major.

A. Eldor*, J. Maclouf, F. Lellouche, V. Ben-Yashar, Y. Barenholz, R. Durst, E. Hy-Am, A. Goldfarb, E. Rachmilewitz

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

39 Scopus citations

Abstract

Increased frequency of thromboembolic events has been recently observed in patients with thalassemia major (TM), causing hypoxemia and cor pulmonale. Autopsy findings demonstrated "old" and recent pulmonary and renal infarcts as well as premature atherosclerosis. Studies to determine hypercoagulability showed: impaired platelet aggregation, increased circulating platelet aggregates, shortened platelet survival, enhanced excretion of urinary metabolites of thromboxane A2 (TXA2) and prostacyclin and decreased plasma levels of Protein C, Protein S or anti-thrombin III. Erythrocytes from TM patients enhanced thrombin formation in a "prothrombinase" assay (using a chromogenic substrate). Chronic anti-thrombotic therapy may be indicated in thalassemic patients to prevent the cardiac and pulmonary complications.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)92-95
Number of pages4
JournalSoutheast Asian Journal of Tropical Medicine and Public Health
Volume24 Suppl 1
StatePublished - 1993

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'A chronic hypercoagulable state and life-long platelet activation in beta thalassemia major.'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this