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Von Willebrand Factor (vWF): marker of endothelial damage and thrombotic risk in COVID-19?

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Version 2 2023-06-07, 08:51
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journal contribution
posted on 2023-06-07, 08:51 authored by Eleni E Ladikou, Helena Sivaloganathan, Kate M Milne, William E Arter, Roshan Ramasamy, Ramy Saad, Simon M Stoneham, Barbara Phillips, Chi EziefulaChi Eziefula, Timothy ChevassutTimothy Chevassut
Background COVID-19 infection is characterised, among other features, by a prothrombotic state with high rate of venous thromboembolism (VTE), D-dimer, and fibrinogen levels. Clinical observations have also highlighted that these patients have elevated von Willebrand factor (vWF) and factor VIIIc. Methods 24 consecutive COVID-19 positive patients were selected from the intensive care unit (ICU) or the high acuity ward of Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust. Results The rate of VTE was 25% and mortality rate was 16.7%. Fibrinogen and D-Dimers were elevated, 7.9 (1.6) g/L and 2.4 (2.02) ug/ml respectively. Factor VIIIc and von vWF antigen levels were both extremely elevated at 279 (148) u/dL and 350 (131) % respectively, which are comparable to levels seen in ICU patients with severe sepsis. vWF levels were significantly higher in patients that died (p=0.017) and showed a positive correlation with age. There was a statistically significant association between COVID-19 disease and non-O blood group (p=0.02); 80% (4/5) of COVID-19 patients with VTE were blood group A. Conclusion Very high levels of vWF and factor VIIIc are common in COVID-19 patients, comparable to levels in severely septic non-COVID ICU patients. This could contribute to the hypercoagulable state and increased VTE rate in COVID-19. Further studies are needed to evaluate the use of vWF for stratifying thrombotic risk in COVID-19 and to determine if elevated vWF is contributing to disease pathogenesis.

Funding

How does SARS CoV-2 infect blood vessels?; G3146; UK RESEARCH AND INNOVATION; MR/V036750/1

Modelling and targeting Acute Myeloid Leukaemia cells in the Bone Marrow protective niche; G3106; SUSSEX CANCER FUND FOR TREATMENT AND RESEARCH

In vitro modelling and therapeutic targeting of tumour cell migration in chronic lymphocytic leukaemia.; G2544; BLOODWISE; 18005

Drug-induced selective lethality in populations of DNMT3A knockdown cells; G2782; WELLCOME TRUST; 218435/Z/19/Z

Mining the Wnt signalling-responsive surfaceome for drug targets in acute myeloid leukaemia; G3090; WELLCOME TRUST

History

Publication status

  • Published

File Version

  • Published version

Journal

Clinical Medicine

ISSN

1470-2118

Publisher

Royal College of Physicians

Issue

5

Volume

20

Article number

e178-e182

Department affiliated with

  • Clinical and Experimental Medicine Publications

Full text available

  • No

Peer reviewed?

  • Yes

Legacy Posted Date

2020-07-10

First Open Access (FOA) Date

2021-07-22

First Compliant Deposit (FCD) Date

2020-07-09

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