Journal of pediatric hematology/oncology, cilt.43, 2021 (SCI-Expanded)
Background/Aim: This study was concerned with whether vWF (von
Willebrand factor) and a disintegrin and metalloprotease with a
thrombospondin type 1 motif, member 13 (ADAMTS13) has
altered in patients with cirrhosis and extrahepatic portal hypertension (EPH). We aimed to investigate changes to vWF and
ADAMTS13 in children with cirrhosis and EPH.
Patients and Methods: This study was conducted between January
and October 2019 with both cirrhosis and EPH patients and with
healthy volunteers. The von Willebrand factor antigen (vWF:Ag),
von Willebrand Ristocetin cofactor (vWF:RCo), and ADAMTS13
antigen and activity were studied.
Results: Twenty-eight children with cirrhosis, 16 children with EPH,
and 20 healthy controls were included in the study. vWF:Ag and vWF:
RCo levels were higher in patients with cirrhosis than in healthy controls (171.65 ± 101.67 vs. 85.86 ± 30.58, P<0.01 and 121.62 ± 55.83 vs.
61.52 ± 27.03, P<0.01, respectively). vWF:Ag and vWF:RCo levels
were higher in patients with EPH than in healthy controls
(133.93 ± 80.13 vs. 85.86 ± 30.58, P<0.01 and 103.18 ± 58.55 vs.
61.52 ± 27.03, P=0.02, respectively). The ADAMTS13 antigen and
activity levels were lower in patients with cirrhosis than in healthy
controls (0.58 ± 0.23 vs. 0.97 ± 0.15, P<0.01 and 49.91 ± 22.43 vs.
86.51 ± 22.07, P=0.02, respectively). The ADAMTS13 antigen and
activity levels were lower in patients with EPH than in healthy controls (0.69 ± 0.11 vs. 0.97 ± 0.15, P=0.03; and 68.50 ± 13.29 vs.
86.51 ± 22.07, P=0.02, respectively). The increase in vWF and the
decrease in ADAMTS13 were more pronounced in cirrhotic patients
with autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) than in non-AIH patients.
Conclusions: While levels of vWF:Ag and vWF:RCo increased in
children with cirrhosis and EPH, levels of the ADAMTS13 antigen
and ADAMTS13 activity decreased. These alterations were more
pronounced in patients with AIH–derived cirrhosis.