Spectre, Galia

AbstractObjectiveWe aimed to determine hemostatic changes and characterize the procoagulant potential among patients with reactive thrombocytosis (RT).MethodsSixty patients with RT (median platelet count 718 × 109/L) and 20 healthy persons were tested for complete blood count, C‐reactive protein, von Willebrand factor (VWF), factor VIII and fibrinogen, and thrombin generation. Platelet studies, including light transmission aggregometry and Cone and Plate(let) Analyzer, were also conducted. Reticulated platelets and platelet P‐selectin expression were measured using flow cytometry.ResultsCompared to patients with mild thrombocytosis (platelet count 500‐700 × 109/L; n = 27), those with moderate‐to‐severe thrombocytosis (platelet count >700 × 109/L; n = 33) had significantly higher fibrinogen, factor VIII, and VWF antigen and activity levels; higher endogenous thrombin potential, peak thrombin generation and velocity index levels, and shorter time‐to‐peak thrombin level. VWF antigen and activity, fibrinogen, and factor VIII were positively associated with platelet count, whereas VWF activity/antigen ratio was inversely correlated. In a multivariate analysis of RT and control participants, only platelet count predicted endogenous thrombin potential with a positive‐linear correlation. No patients developed acquired von Willebrand syndrome.ConclusionsAs determined by thrombin generation, RT was associated with in vitro prothrombotic tendency, which correlated with platelet count. This may explain the increased thromboembolic risk previously reported in patients with RT.

AbstractBackgroundThromboembolic events following splenectomy are not uncommon. However, the role of thromboprophylaxis and risk factors for thrombosis, as well as the clinical course and outcomes, are not well characterized.MethodsA retrospective review of individuals who underwent splenectomy between January 2006 and December 2015 in two university hospitals.ResultsOverall, 297 patients underwent splenectomy [open splenectomy (n = 199), laparoscopic splenectomy (n = 98)]. Mechanical (thigh‐length pneumatic compression stockings) and pharmacologic thromboprophylaxis (40 mg enoxaparin daily, starting 12 h after surgery until discharge) was provided for all patients. One hundred and sixteen patients (39%) also received an extended thromboprophylaxis course of enoxaparin for 2–4 weeks after discharge. Twenty‐three patients (7.7%) experienced thrombotic complications following splenectomy, including 16 cases (5.4%) of portal‐splenic mesenteric venous thrombosis (PSMVT), 5 (1.7%) pulmonary embolism and 2 (0.7%) deep vein thrombosis. Longer operative time (mean operative time of 405 vs. 273 min, P = 0.03) was independently associated with PSMVT. Post‐splenectomy thrombocytosis was not associated with thrombosis (P = 0.41). The overall thrombosis rate was significantly lower in patients who received an extended thromboprophylaxis course following splenectomy (3.4 vs. 10.5%, P = 0.02). Complete resolution of thrombosis was observed in most cases (n = 20, 87.0%), with no recurrent thrombosis during a mean follow‐up of 38 ± 25 months.ConclusionsThromboembolic complications, mainly PSMVT, are common following splenectomy. Longer operative time was associated with thrombosis. Significantly lower rates of thrombosis were found in patients who received an extended thromboprophylaxis course.