Abstract
In patients with chronic urticaria (CU), plasma shows signs of thrombin generation and autologous plasma skin tests score positive in as many as 95% of cases. To evaluate the initiators of blood coagulation that lead to thrombin generation and fibrinolysis in CU. Activated factor VII, activated factor XII, fragment F(1+2), and D-dimer plasma levels were measured in 37 patients with CU and 37 controls. Skin specimens from 10 patients with CU and 10 controls were tested for tissue factor immunohistochemically. Mean F(1+2) levels were higher in patients than controls (2.54 [SD 2.57] nmol/L vs 0.87 [0.26] nmol/L; P < .001); disease activity was moderate or severe in 9 of 11 (82%) and 9 of 26 (35%) patients showing high or normal F(1+2) levels, respectively (P < .025). Mean D-dimer plasma levels were higher in patients than controls (329 [188] ng/mL vs 236 [81] ng/mL; P < .01); disease activity was moderate or severe in 6 of 8 (75%) and 11 of 29 (38%) showing elevated or normal plasma D-dimer levels (P = NS). Factor VIIa levels were higher in patients than controls (2.86 ng/mL [0.66] vs 1.97 ng/mL [0.65]; P < .001). Activated factor VII and F(1+2) levels were correlated (r = 0.529; P = .008). Tissue factor reactivity was observed only in CU skin specimens. The extrinsic pathway of clotting cascade is activated in CU. Disease severity is associated with the activation of the coagulation cascade. The involvement of the coagulation pathway in CU opens new perspectives for a better understanding of the pathogenesis and, possibly, for the treatment of this disease.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.