A new study aimed to determine systemic blood coagulation during asthma exacerbation compared with the stable state in children.
Pediatric patients (aged between 5 and 15 years) suffering from asthma exacerbation were enrolled. von Willebrand factor (vWF), plasminogen activator inhibitor type-1 (PAI-1), protein C, D-dimer, prothrombin fragment 1 + 2 (F1 + 2), thrombin-antithrombin complex (TAT), and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were measured during asthma exacerbation and stable state.
A total of 22 patients were enrolled. Key results included:
- The median vWF (147.5% versus 94%), PAI-1 (41.9 ng/ml versus 26.17 ng/ml), and CRP (4.46 mg/L versus 0.87 mg/L) during asthma exacerbation were significantly higher than those of the stable state.
- The median protein C during asthma exacerbation was significantly lower than that of the stable state: 99.5% versus 113%.
- No significant difference was found between the levels of D-dimer, F1 + 2, and TAT during asthma exacerbation and stable state.
- Ultimately, D-dimer was positively correlated with asthma exacerbation score.
- A significant correlation was observed between vWF and CRP
Researchers concluded: “Evidence was found of increased endothelial activation and increased PAI-1 during asthma exacerbation. This may emphasize the potential role of blood coagulation in asthma exacerbation.”
