Plasma levels of soluble endothelial protein C-receptor in patients with β-thalassemia

摘要

Background A hypercoagulable stable has been documented in patients with β-thalassemia. However, the underlying mechanisms are multifactorial. The role of soluble protein C endothelial receptor in hemostatic derangement in these patients has not been investigated. Design and methods Plasma soluble EPCR and markers of coagulation have been analyzed in 15 splenectomized patients (group I) and 15 non-splenectomized patients (group II). Results We showed significantly higher levels of sEPCR in patients versus the control and in group I more than group II. Levels of sEPCR positively correlated with total leukocytic and platelet counts. No correlation could be established between sEPCR and either age or sex. Conclusion The data indicate that high sEPCR levels could be implicated in the hemostatic derangement and endothelial cell dysfunction in patients with β-thalassemia.